Stress can  be experienced on many different levels and be difficult to define. The American Institute of Stress offers an explanation of stress as “a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.”  It can be as temporary as an overwhelming day juggling work and family, to a longer-term manifestation of physical symptoms such as headaches or back pain.

Just as we experience stress differently, how individuals react to or handle stress can vary, as well. Some people engage in healthy activities such as exercise or deep breathing. Others take up more destructive behaviors or habits, such as smoking or drinking alcohol – which can, unfortunately, compound the issue that is creating the stress and increase the negative feelings.

Since April is both Stress Awareness Month and Alcohol Awareness Month, it’s a good time to check our relationship with alcohol and how we may, even unconsciously, be using it when we experience stress. We should also learn how we can transition to healthy stress-coping mechanisms.

Unchecked stress is a health hazard

Your body reacts to stressful situations by releasing adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream, causing your heart to beat faster, and raising your blood pressure and glucose levels. It also suppresses certain functions unnecessary to the “threat” that is causing the stress response.

While this response can be helpful in short-term situations, it can have serious health consequences if it continues. According to the Mayo Clinic, unchecked stress can lead to long-term health problems such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

If you add alcohol to “cope” with stress or feel better, you can compound the problem because you are not learning coping mechanisms – you’re merely relying on alcohol. This can lead to dependence and possible substance abuse issues.

Take matters into your own hands

One of the best ways to beat back stress is to take proactive measures before a stressful event occurs—or before you turn to unhealthy ways of trying to cope, such as drinking or using substances. Here are a few easy ways to manage stress:

• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
• Increase your physical activity, even if it’s something non-strenuous and low-impact like yoga, which combines physical movement and relaxation.
• Find a hobby you enjoy and take time out for it when you feel a stress reaction coming on.

If you’re having difficulties doing this on your own, don’t know where to start, or are concerned about your relationship with alcohol or another substance, remember that Transocean offers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is free and confidential. You can receive around-the-clock, confidential support for any challenge, no matter how small it seems to you. Better yet, this support is also available to your family members, even if you are not enrolled in a UHC benefit plan. Learn more here today (access code: RIG).

If you’re looking for more information, check out our May webinars, which both focus on improving your mental health. See additional details and registration links at the end of this newsletter.