by Beverly Doll

Stress is everywhere. It’s a part of life from breakdowns, financial struggles, the weather, relationship struggles, isolation that often leads to stress. Stress is a common and normal response to challenging or new situations. Everyone experiences stress differently and our bodies react differently. Stress can become problematic when it makes us feel overwhelmed or continues for a long time. This also can put a strain on our heart! Chronic stress often leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and poor sleep patterns. 

We know we can’t eliminate stress and it can have a positive result when helping us to overcome challenges, and motivate us. It can help us to become resilient when life throws us a curveball. When we utilize healthy practices like eating healthy or practicing techniques to reduce stress our heart will thank us. 

Beverly Doll is the Human Development & Relationships Educator for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, Grant County.

To learn about cultivating a positive mindset and gratitude, listen to the "Use a Positive Mindset & Gratitude to Handle Daily Farm Stress" podcast episode on Rural Realities where Penn Vieau, professional speaker and coach, shares how adopting a positive mindset with a focus on gratitude can help you better handle these stressors. The episode explores how the mind works and leads you through examples so you can make immediate changes in your work and personal life to achieve your goals while effectively managing daily stress.

Are you a beginning farmer? The Wisconsin Beginning Farmers Resource Guide is for beginning farmers and those looking to start a new ag enterprise. Set up as a road map, it walks beginning farmers through a variety of resources available to support them through their journey of starting an agriculture operation, farm, or food business.

Strong Bodies
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Tuesdays and Thursday in January-March

StrongBodies is now available virtually! Join on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10:15am from January-March. StrongBodies will catalyze positive change in people of all ages to live stronger, healthier lives by providing knowledge, inspiration, access to programs, and ongoing support. StrongBodies envisions a diverse community of individuals who are fit, strong, and healthy; in turn these empowered individuals become agents of change for their families, communities, and beyond.

To find a StrongBodies class in your area, check out the local StrongBodies map.

Please take a minute to share the following image and text on your Facebook page.

Alternative text: A person in a gray t-shirt holding a heart. Text: Your health is an investment not an expense. Bulleted points Feed your body for a healthy response to stress; Practice healthy relaxation activities; Exercise to reduce stress hormones; Get enough sleep; Build and lean on your support system. UW-Madison Division of Extension crest logo in upper left

Caption: February is Hearth Health Month