Dementia, Depression Linked to Chronic Stress - 5 Stress Management Techniques to Try

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A research claims that chronic stress can damage areas of the brain and trigger depression and dementia. While it seems inevitable to feel anxiety, there are techniques that can be done to help manage stress.

According to a report from Independent UK, scientists warn that too much stress can lead to depression and dementia. A published research reveals that chronic stress and anxiety can damage a person's emotional responses, memory and thinking, which can also lead to Alzheimer's disease.

"Pathological anxiety and chronic stress are associated with structural degeneration and impaired functioning of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, which may account for the increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and dementia," said lead author of the review Dr. Linda Mah.

This is why it's important to look at intervention, as stress and anxiety affect almost everyone nowadays. Although temporary stress like fear before an exam or a job interview is an acceptable part of everyday life, long-term stress due to work or personal problems can affect the immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems. Given this, professionals advise some stress management techniques.

Get active

Help Guide claims that physical activities can greatly help in preventing the effects of stress. Doing exercises release endorphins which are also known as "happy hormones". They can help change the mood from bad to good. In addition, exercising can also serve as a distraction from daily worries.

Keep a healthy lifestyle

The report also recommends adding a healthy lifestyle to the routine. Apart from exercising, making healthy choices like eating healthier foods, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and reducing caffeine and sugar from your diet can be a great start.

Relaxation and Meditation

Medicine Net suggested that relaxation and mediation can also help reduce stress. Although most will require therapies that are learned in a proper class, some of these can be done on your own. Some examples include Yoga and Tai Chi or it can be as simple as listening to soothing music or sitting down at a quiet park to appreciate the scenery.

Support system

It is also important to have a strong support system to cancel out stress. Healthy interaction with loved ones, family, friends, officemates, neighbors and even pets are all part of a person's social network. Cultivating these relationships is healthy for the body and the mind.

Alter, Adapt and Accept

How a person thinks and how he chooses to act on it is paramount in managing stress. If the situation can be altered, then alter it, but if not, you can always adapt to it. Adjusting standards or seeing the bigger picture can help frame your thoughts. If this also not an option, then the last thing to do is to accept it. Many sources of stress are unavoidable, so we must learn how to embrace things that can't be changed.