Conveniently Located in Wellesley
Everyone occasionally feels stressed due to work, family, finances or life changes. But as we age, we tend to find that stress affects us differently and our ability to cope with stress ebbs.
Periods of prolonged stress can take a toll on your body in more ways than you can imagine. Ongoing and chronic stress can cause or worsen serious health problems including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke and depression. Certain responses to stress (e.g., drinking or using drugs) can also be harmful to your health.
Learning how to properly manage stress, particularly with the help of a professional like Dr Lynne Ahn, can make a significant difference in your health, happiness and quality of life. Furthermore, identifying and addressing physical impacts that stress can have on your health (e.g., blood pressure problems, immune system, sleep disturbances, weight gain) can be life-saving.
What Stress Does to Your Body
Research indicates that stress can cause or contribute to the following:
- Physical symptoms like headaches and upset stomach
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty sleeping and insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Cognitive problems such as memory or concentration impairment
- Emotional problems including depression, anxiety and panic attacks
The way you handle stress may also be problematic, particularly if you turn to smoking, alcohol, drugs, overeating, gambling, overspending or other risky behaviors.
Stress Management Techniques
If you find yourself frequently stressed, you have probably tried common stress reduction techniques like yoga, long walks, meditation or journaling. But for lasting relief, you need the help of Dr. Ahn. She will help you understand why you react to stressful or potentially stressful events. And, she will help you learn to respond to stress in healthier ways.
Dr. Ahn can help you explore strategies which may help you cope with your stress. These include practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, meditation, massage therapy) and adjusting lifestyle habits to eat better, exercise regularly and get more sleep. Cognitive behavioral therapy to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts, is also a valuable skill in stress management. Sometimes medication is prescribed, too.
Of course, Dr. Ahn’s goal is to not only improve your body’s response to stress and ability to cope with stress, but also to help you experience a reduction in any related medical or psychological symptoms.
The technique or set of techniques Dr. Ahn will recommend to manage your stress will depend on your symptoms, health, lifestyle and goals. Stress is very personal, and Dr. Ahn tailors her recommendations and approach to your individual needs.
Speak with Dr. Ahn Today
Are life’s stresses (or the ways in which you respond to stress) affecting your physical or psychological health or quality of life? If so, you may benefit from a consultation with Lynne Ahn, MD. After garnering an understanding of your triggers, coping strategies, health and lifestyle, Dr. Ahn can put together a plan to make positive changes in your life.
Call or email our office today to request an appointment with Dr. Ahn.
