Healthy Habits
Stress management
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High levels of stress increase the risk of both physical and psychological disease, including heart attacks, strokes, cancer, depression, anxiety, drug abuse and more. In stressful situations, determine whether the issue can be modified or avoided. For unavoidable stress, three basic coping strategies exist.
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Exercise decreases anxiety and depression while reducing stress.
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Diversion involves diverting attention from the stressful matter by reading, watching television, participating in hobbies, etc.
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Relaxation helps reduce stress and can be as simple as taking a bath or shower.
Some people master a technique that allows them to fill their minds with pleasant thoughts, relax their muscles and take slow, deep breaths. Unhealthy stress reducers include smoking, drinking alcohol abuse and overeating.
