If you’re like most families, you face stress every day. You aren’t alone if you’re feeling stressed out – over 70 percent of Americans say they regularly feel both the physical and mental effects of stress. But by taking a few steps, you can prevent, detect, and manage stress for a happier and healthier life. Plus, you can set an example to help your family take on stress in healthy ways.

What is stress?

Stress is all about life’s demands and how you meet them. Your job, family or relationship problems, health, outlook on life, finances – they can all cause stress. When you’re stressed, you can have physical symptoms like low energy, headaches, upset stomach, muscle aches, or changes in your eating habits. Stress can take a toll on your mental health, too, especially if you’re feeling nervous or angry because of it. When stress lasts for weeks or longer it can hurt your overall health.

If you’re overwhelmed with stress, there are ways you can learn to manage it and be prepared for it in the future. Start with these tips:

• Exercise. Take a break and go for a walk or jog if you’re feeling tense.

• Eat healthy meals.

• Get enough sleep.

• Do things you enjoy or take up a new hobby.

• Try relaxation techniques, like yoga and meditation. Even taking just a couple minutes to breathe deeply can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, so you’ll feel calmer.

• Laugh more! Watch a funny movie or listen to your favorite comedian. Laughing out loud will not only brighten your mood, but it reduces cortisol, your body’s stress hormone.

• Ask for help – visit a health care professional if your stress is too high.

Children can feel stress, too

Many children have stress that can affect their daily life, activities, and health. Parents should watch for these signs:

• Changes in eating habits, headaches, nightmares, and other problems sleeping.

• Anxiety, worrying, new or recurring fears, clinginess, questioning, anger, crying, inability to control emotions, and aggressive or stubborn behavior.

• Less interest in family or school activities.

If you do notice signs of stress in your child, try to:

• Spend calm, relaxed time with your kids.

• Talk to them, encourage them to tell you their concerns and listen with an open mind.

• Set aside time for physical activity.

• Stick to a family routine.

Remember to take care of yourself and deal with any stress you may be feeling as a parent. Set limits and don’t be afraid to say no if you and your kids can’t do something. When you manage your own stress in healthy ways, your kids will learn to do the same.

To learn more about healthy living, visit www.anthem.com/wisconsin. Our team of experts is always sharing new health tips, topics, and preventive care programs for you and your family to use. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is a community partner of Chippewa Valley Family.