There are many things that can cause stress in life, but it’s important to learn to manage that stress for both emotional and physical health.
“Stress can be very detrimental to our bodies in ways that people probably don’t even realize,” said Andrea Masters, assistant director of Rocket Wellness at The University of Toledo. “A lot of people associate it with just anxiety, but it can actually cause problems with your digestive system and other chronic diseases.”
This week the Healthy New You program by Rocket Wellness will focus on relieving and managing stress to live a healthier, happier life. A big part of managing stress is learning what methods work for you, according to Masters.
“We all have stress, it’s how we manage it that makes a difference,” Masters said. “It’s all about finding a method that works for you individually.”
Masters said there are many different ways to manage and relieve stress, but a lot of it comes down to taking time out of your day to focus on you. This can be a moment of meditation, deep breathing, yoga, positive thinking, or something else — it all depends on what relaxes you.
This week’s challenge is to grab a partner and participate in the five-minute yoga video on the Rocket Wellness website. Each person will receive five points for participating, which will go toward prizes at the end of the eight-week program.
There also is an opportunity for bonus points by participating in the walking programs held on both campuses. Rocket Walk is held from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in the Student Recreation Center and from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Morse Center.
To watch this week’s video and keep up to date on the program, visit utoledo.edu/offices/rocketwellness.
