You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again – stress is no good! Whether it’s your career, parenting, or a big adjustment in your life, we all have potential sources of stress. We can’t avoid the realities and unexpected ups and downs that come our way; however, on the bright side, we don’t have to be victims to its damaging effects
Even when it seems like all odds are against us, we have the opportunity to take control and manage our stress. Yes, we all do. When you start to feel overwhelmed, that’s a sign that your stress has taken control over you. That should be your first red flag.
In those moments, a simple go-to rescue tactic is to take a second (just a second) to detach yourself from what’s overwhelming you and take a few deep (slow) breaths. Breathing has been known to have a calming and soothing influence on the mind and body. Observe yourself in a relaxed state – about to fall asleep or laying on the couch watching TV – pay attention to your breath. It’s calm and steady.
When we start to feel anxious, some people experience physical effects such as quickened heart rates or sweaty palms. Those signs right there prove that the mind and body are connected. So try approaching it from the opposite angle, use your control of your body to calm your mind. When you take deep slow breaths it sends calming signals to your brain which relays the message to the rest of your body; lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and soothing brain activity.
Don’t stress. Live simply. And when things start to get overwhelming, just take a breather. Something so simple can be so helpful. Just give it a try.
Reference:
- Other ways to treat patients with anxiety, emphysema, chronic pain. (2011, September 21). Psychiatric Times. Retrieved March 17, 2014, from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/other-ways-treat-patients-anxiety-emphysema-chronic-pain

Dr. Melden earned his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine at Philadelphia College Osteopathic Medicine and went to USC Presbyterian Hospital for his residency in Family Medicine. He then completed his Psychiatric residency at the University of California, Irvine and went to UCSD Geropsychiatry pursuing a fellowship. Dr. Melden has over 14 years of experience as a clinician specializing in treating child and adolescent, adult and geriatric clients. He has devoted his life to psychiatry in a variety of different treatment settings including in- patient and out-patient environments. He specializes in the psychiatric evaluation, complementary therapy approaches, and medical management of individuals suffering from mental illness. Currently, he maintains a private practice with Crownview Medical Group in Coronado and Carlsbad, California where he is CEO/President.