Reducing stress
Description
Stress is a normal part of life. In small amounts, stress is good -- it can motivate you and help you get more done. However, too much stress can be harmful.
Stress is not the cause your hip pain. But feeling stressed may make it harder for you to manage your pain or affect your recovery.
Learn what is causing your stress
Many things can cause stress. What is stressful to one person may not be stressful to another. Some sources of your stress may be:
- Not being able to do activities because of your hip pain
- Other medical problems
- Changes or problems at work or at home
- Having a busy schedule
- Spending too much time alone
A first step in reducing your stress is to figure out what makes you feel stressed. Ask yourself:
- What do you worry about most?
- Do you always have something on your mind?
- Is something in your life making you sad or depressed?
Keep a diary of the experiences and thoughts that seem to be related to your anxiety. Are your thoughts adding to your anxiety in these situations?
Find some help for your stress
Reach out to other people. Find someone you trust (such as a friend, family member, neighbor, or clergy member) who will listen to you. Often, just talking to someone helps relieve anxiety and stress.
Most communities also have support groups and hotlines that can help. You can also seek help from a social workers, a psychologist, or another type of mental health professional. Therapy and medicine might help you manage your stress.
Talk with your health care provider if you have been feeling sad or depressed a lot.
Make some changes in your life
Find healthy ways to cope with stress. For example:
- Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Avoid overeating.
- Get enough sleep.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Take time for personal interests and hobbies.
Try using relaxation techniques. Some you can try are guided imagery, listening to music, doing yoga, or meditating. With practice, these techniques could help you reduce your stress.
Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down or take a break. Giving yourself a break is a good way to relieve stress. You should understand and accept some of your limitations.
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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