Feeling Stressed? Tips for a Healthier Mind and Body
Life can be difficult, and it’s natural to sometimes feel stressed or anxious. You may feel concerned about finances, work, housing, a major life change or even a natural disaster such as the recent wildfires.
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long period of time.
Anxiety is your body's reaction to stress and can occur even if there’s no current threat. If that anxiety doesn’t go away and starts interfering with your life, it could negatively impact your body and mind. You could experience problems with your immune, digestive, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. You also may be at higher risk for developing a mental illness such as anxiety disorder or depression.
The good news is that learning what causes your stress, as well as the coping techniques that work best for you, can make a big difference in your daily life. Here are some activities to try when you’re feeling overwhelmed:
Keep a journal
Practice relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or visualization
Exercise and make sure you’re eating healthy, regular meals
Stay with a regular sleep routine and make sure you’re getting enough rest
Avoid drinking excess caffeine, such as soft drinks or coffee
Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts
Reach out to your friends or family members for support
“Stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to define you,” said SFCHC Director of Care Management Cinthya Islas, who is a licensed clinical social worker. “Taking even small steps toward self-care—like reaching out to a loved one or practicing deep breathing—can make a big difference. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. You deserve to receive care and guidance to feel healthier and restore balance in your life.”
If you’re struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. You may need professional help if you’re experiencing severe symptoms lasting two weeks or more, such as:
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite or weight
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
Inability to complete everyday tasks and activities
Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness
If you feel concerned about your mental health, talk to your primary care provider for a referral to a qualified mental health professional. Our SFCHC team is here for you, and provides a full range of quality medical and behavioral health services in a compassionate and welcoming environment.
To learn more or request an appointment, please visit sfchealthcenter.org or call 818.963.5690. We are deeply grateful to serve the community we love.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. This service is confidential, free and available 24 hours a day. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
