22, May 2025
At Dr. Sue Mitra’s practice in Melbourne, Florida, we believe that understanding health tips for your health is the first step toward managing stress. Here are some essential health tips to help you recognize stress and protect your well-being.
How Stress Impacts Your Body
During times of stress, your body floods with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals prepare you for a "fight-or-flight" response — a survival mechanism that was helpful in ancient times but can be harmful when triggered constantly in modern life.
Here are some ways chronic stress can impact your body:
Cardiovascular System: Stress can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, raising your risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes.
Immune System: Ongoing stress weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illnesses and infections.
Digestive System: Stress can cause or worsen digestive issues like acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even ulcers.
Musculoskeletal System: Stress often causes muscles to tense up, leading to chronic pain, tension headaches, and migraines.
Endocrine System: Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt sleep, lead to weight gain, and increase your risk of developing diabetes.
Mental Health: Stress contributes significantly to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline over time.
Recognizing these physical symptoms early can help you take action before they lead to more serious health problems.
Health Tips: Managing Stress Effectively
The good news? You have the power to manage stress before it negatively impacts your health. Here are some trusted health tips recommended by Dr. Sue Mitra:
1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or meditate can significantly reduce cortisol levels. Apps such as Headspace and Calm make getting started simple.
2. Stay Physically Active
Physical exercise is one of the most powerful ways to relieve stress. Even a daily 20-minute walk around Melbourne’s beautiful parks can boost your mood and energy levels.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eat balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid too much caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, which can increase anxiety.
4. Prioritize Sleep
Set a consistent bedtime and create a calming nighttime routine to signal your body it's time to rest.
5. Stay Connected
Spending time with family, friends, or a support group can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional resilience against stress.
6. Seek Professional Help
If stress feels overwhelming, know that you're not alone — professional support is available. At Dr. Sue Mitra’s office in Melbourne, Florida, we offer personalized strategies to help you manage stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Stress might be a part of life, but it doesn't have to control your life. By following these health tips and recognizing when it’s time to seek help, you can protect your body, mind, and spirit.
If you’re ready to develop a personalized stress management plan, Dr. Sue Mitra is here to help. Contact us today at 321-622-6222 or visit suemitra.com to schedule a consultation — and take the first step toward a healthier, calmer you.
Dr. Sue Mitra and her staff strive to offer their patients the best care, advice and services available in the medical field with the goal to keep patient healthy & happy.
Dr. Sue Mitra is board certified in international medicine. She is seen here with a Cologuard, which is a noninvasive colon cancer screening test. (Photo by: Tim Shortt/Florida Today)