Yes, stress is a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with stress day in and day out—in fact, doing so can be hazardous to your health.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill wants you to know the common causes of stress, as well as ways you can both prevent and manage stress. Read on as we take a look.

What Is Stress?

Stress is your body’s reaction to a change that needs a response—physical, mental and/or emotional. While stress is a normal part of life, it is important that you do not let stress get to the point where it is taking over most of your days.

When you are stressed, particularly on a chronic basis, you can begin to experience headaches, low energy, stomach pains, rapid heartbeat and/or insomnia. In addition, because stress can actually weaken your immune system, you might be more at risk for getting a cold and other viral illnesses.

Common Causes of Stress

• Passing away of a loved one
• Divorce
• Loss of a job
• Finances
• Getting married
• Moving to a new home
• Chronic illness or injury
• Emotional problems like depression or anxiety

What Is the Best Way to Handle Stress?

While stress can happen to anyone at any time, it is important to know what to do to better manage stress so that you don’t let it take a toll on your overall health. When you feel stress coming on, try to either talk to someone or write the stress down in a journal. Sometimes just getting the stress out can make you feel more relaxed.

In addition, you might want to try to prevent stress by learning ways to manage your time, relaxation techniques and how to get a better night’s sleep.

Ways to Improve Your Time Management Skills

• Create a time audit.
• Set a time to complete each task.
• Make a to-do list.
• Plan ahead.
• Learn how to delegate.
• Change your schedule, if able.

Feeling under the weather? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment with AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill today for a medical evaluation and treatment plan.