We all experience stress daily. We manage them in different ways, too. Parents usually experience the highest level of stress. After all, it’s tough managing a job, a family, and a personal life.
It’s even tougher for people with asthma. One study followed more than 5000 adults who have asthma in a span of 10 years. The study concluded that “higher levels of stress doubled the risk for asthma, even after adjustment for multiple confounding variables.” It’s unfortunate, but asthma triggers are plentiful and you never know what can cause an attack.
There’s no cure for stress much less for asthma. In fact, stress is one of the biggest triggers for asthma! However, there are many ways that you can manage it. When you learn how to manage stress effectively, the benefits are immense. Asthma attacks are less frequent. You live a more balanced life. You will feel great overall!
Change your mind. Change your life. You might roll your eyes as you hear this self-help advice, but this tip is probably the most effective stress buster.
Most times, the stress comes internally rather than externally. This is great news! You have full control of your thoughts. Next time, listen to your self-talk. Does it magnify your anxiety? As you become more aware of your thought patterns, you’ll be able to change them and focus on the more positive side.
Identify stressors. Now, that you’re more aware of your thoughts, you can pinpoint the specific areas in your life that trigger stress. These same circumstances also serve as your asthma triggers. Do your best to eliminate or lessen your exposure to these triggers. For instance, are you overcommitting at work? Or are you doing all the house chores? It’s time to let go of some of your responsibilities and try to delegate tasks when possible.
Prioritize sleep. This one is a no-brainer, but a lot of people still take it for granted. The better sleep you have, the less stress you experience.
Stick with an exercise routine. You don’t have to pay expensive gym membership fees. There are plenty of things you can do at home. By far, Yoga is one of the best workouts for asthma sufferers. Not only does it help tone the body, but it also improves your breathing. Meditation after your practice also helps clear your mind.
Use natural stress relievers. Natural remedies are essential when treating stress. They include herbal teas, mandarin oranges, and lavender oil. This infographic provides a great overview of natural stress relievers you should consider.
