Have you noticed yourself oversleeping, overindulging in comfort foods, or perhaps shopping excessively during stressful times? If so, you’re not alone.

For many people, these behaviors offer temporary relief from stress; however, they can harm your health if they become habits. Research shows coping with chronic stress through excessive drinking, smoking, or overeating can increase the risk of serious health issues, including depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders.

The sooner we learn to manage stress effectively, the better our long-term health will be. Stress impacts us all, but how we respond to it can shape our overall well-being. So let’s take this one step at a time. You can begin by taking the following steps:

1. Identify the sources of your stress: Awareness is the first step to change.
2. Explore strategies to reduce stress: Try mindfulness, time management, or relaxation techniques.
3. Prioritize healthy habits: Get proper rest, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced diet.
4. Develop supportive relationships: Lean on family and friends for encouragement and connection.
5. Seek professional help if needed: Talking with someone can provide valuable tools to manage stress effectively.

Start today taking proactive steps, that can build resilience and protect your health for the long term.