Stressed out? Improve your wellness with these tips

August 25, 2021

According to a recent report from WalletHub, Detroit ranks number two as the most stressed-out city in America. The COVID-19 pandemic has further contributed to the rise in mental health issues.

In honor of August as National Wellness Month, here are a few tips from Wayne Health’s Arash Javanbakht, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, to help reduce stress in your life.

Tip #1: Stick to a routine

Having a routine helps mitigate stress. It helps to keep both your physical and mental health regulated. It’s important to go to bed and wake up at a usual time and to eat at regular mealtimes. Dr. Javanbakht says one of his patients even stuck with a morning commute, while transitioning to working from home. Make a meal schedule for yourself to ensure you’re getting your daily nutrients. Above all, make sure to have a routine outside of work. Our bodies did not evolve to sit at a desk eight hours a day. It’s very difficult to successfully do work without taking care of ourselves first.

Tip #2: Start your day with a walk or exercise

Instead of rolling out of bed and starting your work day, take some time to go outside. Go for a walk or do some gentle exercise. Research shows that being outside to enjoy a bit of nature is calming to our biological stress system.

Tip #3: Go on a news diet

During a time when everyone is waiting for the next update, it’s important to give yourself a rest from the news. Breaking news updates can make or break a person’s mood. While it’s important to stay informed, it’s even more important to take care of your mental health. Limit your exposure to news. Just get the information you want and need to know. Don’t become obsessed with it, and give yourself at least a few hours break from the news.

Tip #4: Stay social

Social distancing has been a buzzword for the past year-and-a-half. What is really meant by social distancing is physical distancing. We can be physically distant and safe from being infected with COVID and not be asocial. The idea of social distancing from other people, not being connected to others, is scary and unnatural for us. We are social creatures. There are many ways to be social and physically distant, such as having happy hours with friends over Zoom, taking online exercise classes at home and FaceTiming with friends.

Note: This blog is based on a longer piece by Arash Javanbakht, M.D., written for The Conversation that appeared on CNN.com, and in an interview with Michigan Radio.

To set up an appointment with a Wayne Health physician or provider, visit our website OR call 877-929-6342

Stressed out? Improve your wellness with these tips
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