No one wants to spend the spring and summer season sick. However, with everything going on in our world lately, the stress of life can certainly be taking a toll on both our mental and physical heath.

Therefore, our team at AFC Urgent Care Fountain City wants to offer you tips on how you can best care for your health by managing your stress, which is especially important since chronic stress can diminish your immune system.

How Does Stress Affect Your Immune System?

Your stress level can have a direct correlation on your immune system, actually. When you are stressed, your body releases certain hormones, including corticosteroid, which can diminish your immune system, making it less effective.

When your immune system is weakened, your body’s ability to fend off illnesses is diminished, making you more likely to get sick.

Symptoms of Stress

• Low energy
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Depression
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation and nausea
• Aches, pains and tense muscles
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Frequent colds and infections

What Are Some Ways You Can Better Manage Stress?

In one way or another, we are all under a great amount of stress right now. Whether you are trying to work from home and help take care of your children’s needs or you are under financial stress from not being able to work, it can certainly take a toll on you.

However, you can do certain things in order to better handle stress. From taking a walk to practicing yoga, exercising can help to combat stress. Therefore, try to get moving most days of the week in order to alleviate the symptoms of stress.

Ways to Reduce Stress

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Find effective ways of relieving stress, like meditation or a hobby.
• Get enough quality sleep at night.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Don’t smoke.

AFC Urgent Care Fountain City is now offering AFC TeleCare services! Visit our website today to book a virtual visit.