Lowering the stress in your life can produce physical and psychological benefits. Stress can encourage you to engage in “problem behaviors” like eating fatty foods, drinking lots of caffeinated coffee, drinking alcoholic beverages, or smoking. These behaviors can trigger acid reflux disease symptoms. But you don't have to let stress get the better of you. You can change many of the things that cause you stress. And if there are some things that you can't change, you can change how you react to them. Of course, if you feel that you can't control your stress alone, you should speak with your doctor about your feelings.
Take steps to lower stress
Here are a few suggestions to help out when you’re feeling stressed, angry, or anxious:
- Make time for yourself. Take the time to read a book, watch a movie, garden, or indulge in a warm bath. You also may find it helps to try a new hobby or join a club
- Set realistic goals. Don't try to take on too much at once. If you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and events in your schedule, learn to say "no," or at least to find an acceptable compromise
- Take one thing at a time. Pick one important task and do it. When you're finished, move on to the next one. Checking things off your list can be satisfying and can give you the motivation to keep going
- Find someone you can talk to. Seek out the support and guidance of friends, colleagues, and family members. You may find that you're not the only one having a bad day
- Stay hopeful about the future. Keep an optimistic outlook by visualizing the good things that can happen rather than the bad things you fear may happen
- Don't worry about what you can't control. Some things are just completely out of your hands, like traffic and the weather. Identify what you can't change and learn to let it go
- Lead a healthy lifestyle, get enough rest, exercise regularly, and balance work with play. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake—both can upset your sleep patterns as well as trigger acid reflux.
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