Om on your phone Take time to tune out – with the help of your hand-held device
By Erica Cardenas
Finding ways to successfully manage daily stress
can seem like a daunting task. Although studies have shown that stress can be useful in moderation, high levels of stress can impair cognitive function and trigger problems such as insomnia, headaches and anxiety. Research has yielded the following statistics: Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress 75 to 90 percent of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace; stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50 percent, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions April has been designated National Stress Awareness Month. This month, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for the modern stress epidemic. Sponsored by the Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, Stress Awareness Month is a cooperative effort to inform people about the many dangers of stress, successful coping strategies and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society. So, where might one find a convenient daily dose of stress relief? Look no further than your smartphone. Take a look at some of the top-rated apps that might just reap big benefits. Stress Tracker – a free app compatible with the iPhone, created by a team of leading clinical psychologists and researchers using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
and mindfulness principles. Among other features, the Stress Tracker tracks your individual stress levels, moods, sources of stress, symptoms and lifestyle/behaviors in real-time. Relax: Stress and Anxiety Relief – an app compatible with Android; $3.50 to purchase. The app’s guided breathing exercises use calming music to help you relieve tension or combat insomnia. Use the quick start feature at the first sign of a panic attack or use the skills you’ve learned in the app’s yoga practice. latinopm.com
¡ April 2013!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
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