4 ways to beat stress in Colorado
Juggling work demands, family needs, and other responsibilities can take its toll. If you feel yourself getting tense or overwhelmed, do yourself a big favor by addressing it as soon as possible.
Managing your stress can help you sleep better, reduce chronic pain, and more. Michael Lewis, a licensed clinical social worker and Senior Manager of Behavioral Health Clinic Operations at Kaiser Permanente, has offered 4 tips proven to help beat stress.
4 ways you can tame your stress
- Relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga get more oxygen to the brain, which can make your mind and body feel more relaxed. And when you’re feeling relaxed, it’s easier to find solutions for what’s causing your stress in the first place.
- Get moving. Exercise is a great way to channel your nervous energy. It also makes your body release endorphins, a “feel-good” hormone that boosts your mood and reduces physical pain.
- Nourish your body. Don’t forget to eat! It’s also helpful to opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins instead of foods high in fat and sugar.
- Reach out to loved ones. Connecting with family and friends can really make a difference. They may even help you find solutions for a stressful situation.
Remember that help is available
If you need extra help managing stress — or any other mental or emotional issue — we’re here for you. You can get mental health and wellness services for yourself or your family, regardless of how old or young you are. Our mental health and wellness services can help with:
- Finding ways to cope with stress
- Chemical dependency
- Eating disorders
- Ongoing conditions like depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more
Appointments
To schedule a behavioral health appointment in your area:
- Denver/Boulder: Call the Behavioral Health Access Center at 303-471-7700, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mountain Colorado: Call Beacon Health Options at 1-866-702-9026 (TTY 1-866-835-2755), anytime day or night.
- Northern Colorado: Call the Behavioral Health Access Center at 1-866-359-8299 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Southern Colorado: Call Beacon Health Options at 1-866-702-9026 (TTY 1-866-835-2755), anytime day or night.
If you think you have a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
For a list of ways to manage your reactions to stress, visit kp.org/mindbody.
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