Dialysis: Too Much Stress? 6 Reasons to Chill Out

Everybody experiences stress. Family matters, money issues, work, your health. These are common sources of stress. But even good things can be stressful like starting a new job, moving, or taking a test.

A little stress can help motivate you to get things done. But too much stress can be bad for your health, especially if you’re on dialysis.

In fact, added stress can make matters worse for your kidneys and your health. Too much stress can lead to at least six health issues you want to avoid, including:

1. High blood pressure
2. Elevated triglycerides
3. High blood sugar levels
4. Diabetes
5. Heart disease
6. Kidney damage

When you need dialysis treatments to do the work your kidneys can’t, it’s critical to do everything you can to keep the rest of your body healthy. And this includes managing stress in healthy ways.

So what are some ways you can reduce stress?

• Eat more fresh and unprocessed foods. Looking for ways to make this easy? Just check out the menu of Dialysis-Friendly meals and pick your favorites.Every meal is made from fresh ingredients, easy to store in the freezer, and ready to eat in minutes.
• Avoid or limit foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus
• Reduce sugar and fat in your diet
• Take time to relax, read a book, watch a movie, meditate, or take a hot bath
• Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings
• Talked to a professional or trusted friend to talk about how you’re feeling, identify stress, and think of positive ways to deal with it.
• Make time for a hobby you enjoy
• Get a massage from a professional
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, or take a nap during the day
• Be active. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day

Everybody experiences stress. Left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Learning to manage stress in healthy ways with smart lifestyle habits can make a big difference