INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.

Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Dr. Ann Hester to provide another commentary in a series.

The Dr. Ann Hester Commentaries

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Whether it stems from work responsibilities, family demands, or the unexpected challenges that arise daily, stress finds a way to influence our lives. While it’s easy to view stress as a purely negative force, it can be a motivator in small doses, sharpen our focus, and enhance performance. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can take a severe toll on our physical and mental health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Effectively managing stress is essential for maintaining a healthy, balanced life.

The Role of Stress in Our Lives

Stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare us to face challenges by increasing alertness, energy levels, and focus. In the short term, this response can be beneficial, helping us meet deadlines, tackle urgent problems, or react quickly in dangerous situations. However, when stress becomes a constant companion, it keeps the body alert. This chronic stress can drain energy, impair cognitive function, and lead to long-term health problems.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is more pervasive than ever. The constant juggling of work, family, and social responsibilities and the relentless flow of information and expectations from our digital devices keep many people under heightened stress. Over time, this can lead to serious health issues, including hypertension, anxiety disorders, and burnout. Understanding stress’s role in our lives is the first step toward managing it effectively.

Practical Tips to De-Stress

Given the pervasive nature of stress, it’s important to incorporate stress management techniques into daily life. Here are some practical tips to help reduce stress and promote a more balanced, fulfilling life:

1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, allowing you to engage with your surroundings and emotions without judgment. Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and reducing stress. One of the simplest and most effective meditation techniques is deep breathing. Deep breathing can lower your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and calm your mind, effectively managing stress.
2. How to Practice Deep Breathing:

1. • Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit.

1. • Close your eyes and place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.

1. • Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your abdomen and chest expand.

1. • Hold your breath for a few seconds.

1. • Exhale slowly through your pursed lips.

1. • Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and the sensation of your body relaxing.

1. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which help counteract stress’s effects. Regular physical activity can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being, whether it’s a brisk walk or a workout at the gym.
2. Connect with Others: Social support is crucial for stress management. Spending time with loved ones, talking to friends, or joining a community group can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. These connections help to buffer against stress and provide a healthy outlet for expressing emotions.
3. Prioritize Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for managing stress. When you’re sleep-deprived, stress levels can increase, making it harder to cope with daily challenges. Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a relaxing bedtime environment, and avoiding screens before bed can improve sleep quality and reduce stress.
4. Manage Your Time Effectively: Poor time management can lead to stress as tasks pile up and deadlines approach. Planning your day, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and prioritizing important activities can help you stay organized and reduce feeling overwhelmed.
5. Engage in Relaxing Activities: Enjoying hobbies and activities that bring you joy, such as reading, gardening, or listening to music, can be powerful stress relievers. These activities allow your mind to relax and recharge, helping you to maintain balance in your life.
6. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: While it might be tempting to rely on coffee or alcohol to manage stress, these substances can actually increase stress and anxiety over time. Reducing your intake and opting for herbal teas or water can have a more calming effect on your body and mind.

Stress is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to dominate it. By understanding stress and incorporating practical strategies like deep breathing, regular exercise, social connections, and time management into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce its impact on your health and well-being. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely but to manage it effectively, allowing you to live a more balanced, fulfilling life. Remember, the benefits of stress management are not just physical, but also mental and emotional, giving you hope and motivation for a better life.

Ann M. Hester, M.D. is a board-certified internist with over 25 years of experience. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Dr. Hester believes when patients are taught exceptional “patient skills,” they become empowered to play a previously unimagined role in optimizing their medical care and minimizing medical costs. Her mission is to share these critical skills by various means, thereby improving patient outcomes and strengthening the U.S. healthcare system. This mission started in medical school when she witnessed the tremendous gap between how patients and doctors think. Over the years, she has written various patient empowerment pieces online and through books. Her latest book is Patient Empowerment 101: More than a book, it’s an adventure! This unique work takes an unprecedented step in helping people think more like doctors and position themselves at the center of their healthcare team.

Learn more at https://www.patientempowerment101.com.

Connect with her through social media:

Twitter: @patientworldnet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patientempowerment101

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