Stress Happens — Here’s How to Manage It With Care

Stress is a normal part of life. Work, family responsibilities, finances, school pressures, or major life changes can all create emotional strain. While stress is common, it doesn’t have to take over your days.

At STRIDE Community Health Center, we believe in practical, compassionate ways to manage stress, approaches that fit real lives, real schedules, and real challenges. Here are a few simple strategies to help you feel more grounded and supported.

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Why Stress Affects Your Health

Stress doesn’t just impact your mind, it affects your whole body. Long-term or intense stress can lead to:

• Trouble sleeping

• Headaches or muscle tension

• Changes in appetite

• Irritability or mood swings

• Trouble concentrating

• Fatigue

• Increased blood pressure

  
  

Understanding how stress shows up in your body helps you take meaningful steps toward relief.

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Start With Small Moments of Calm

You don’t need long therapy sessions or hour-long meditations to feel better. Even a few minutes can make a difference.

Try:

• Deep breathing

• Listening to calming music

• Stepping outside for fresh air

• Stretching your neck and shoulders

• Taking a 1–2 minute pause before reacting

  
  

These quick resets help bring your nervous system back into balance.

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Move Your Body to Release Tension

Physical activity is one of the fastest ways to lower stress.

Simple options include:

• A short walk

• Dancing to your favorite song

• Light stretching or yoga

• Playing outside with your kids

• Doing gentle exercises at home

  
  

Movement boosts mood, energy, and mental clarity.

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Stay Connected With People Who Support You

Feeling connected helps reduce stress and build resilience.

Try:

• Calling or texting someone you trust

• Spending time with friends or family

• Joining a community group or class

• Talking with a faith or cultural leader

• Asking for help when you need it

  
  

You don’t have to carry everything alone.

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Set Simple, Realistic Goals

Stress often grows when life feels overwhelming. Breaking tasks into smaller steps can help you regain control.

Try:

• A short to-do list with 3 priorities

• Timer-based cleaning or work blocks

• Planning meals ahead

• Setting gentle boundaries with time or commitments

  
  

Little things add up and reduce overload.

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Take Care of Your Body (Even in Small Ways)

Healthy routines support emotional health.

Start with:

• Drinking water regularly

• Eating meals at consistent times

• Getting enough sleep

• Taking your prescribed medications

• Building small moments of rest into your day

  
  

These basic habits help your body handle stress more effectively.

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When It’s Time to Reach Out for Support

If stress becomes overwhelming, starts affecting daily activities, or leads to sadness, anger, or anxiety that doesn’t go away, talking to a professional can help.

STRIDE offers:

• Behavioral health counseling

• Short-term therapy

• Integrated support within medical visits

• Connections to community resources

• Help managing depression, anxiety, trauma, or major life stressors

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Reaching out is a sign of strength and we’re here to help, judgment-free.

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STRIDE Is Here to Support Your Whole Health

Stress management is part of whole-person care. Whether you need emotional support, primary care, help with chronic conditions, or resources for your family, STRIDE is here for you.

We support your health with:

• Primary & Preventive Care

• Behavioral Health

• Family Medicine

• Pediatrics

• Women’s Health

• Community resources and care coordination

  
  

Your well-being matters and you never have to navigate stress alone.

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Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better

Small changes can make a big difference.

• Schedule a visit with Behavioral Health

• Learn more about Primary & Preventive Care

• Find a STRIDE location

• Talk with your provider about stress or mood changes

  
  

You deserve support, rest, and relief every day.