Dealing with stress is much easier said than done. It’s challenging to focus on reflecting and minimizing it when the stress feels like an all-consuming whirlwind that occupies your mind from morning to night. If you need a little motivation, check out 10 more reasons to try to manage your stress. Your mind and body will appreciate the positive changes you can make in your daily lifestyle.

There are plenty of reasons to try to manage your stress, but you’ll only find something that works if you pause and reflect. Here are 10 more reasons to try to manage your stress.

1. You’ll Have More Energy

Whether your stress comes from turbulent relationships or challenges in the workplace, worrying about overcoming the next problem steals your energy. No matter how many cups of coffee you drink during the day, stress will always drain your mental stamina and leave you feeling exhausted. Give yourself more energy by trying stress-fighting habits that save your sanity so you’re ready to handle anything that comes your way.

2. You’ll Feel Happier

Stress-fighting hobbies like knitting or painting produce serotonin — otherwise known as the brain chemical that creates happiness. If your current hobby doesn’t brighten your day or you don’t have one at all, check out a few alternatives that pique your interest. Practice something new and you might find a passion that defeats your stress with the power of science.

3. You’ll Have More Concentration

Chronic stress affects the body in more ways than one. When your brain consistently deals with intense anxiety, it reduces your ability to concentrate by frying neural pathways with high cortisol levels. Mitigate your stress with a few alterations to your daily routine and you’ll perform better at work or school.

4. You’ll Avoid Dental Damage

You might overindulge in sweets and junk food when you’re stressed, but the intense cortisol exposure could hurt your teeth in more ways than encouraging cavity growth. You could also grind your teeth while you sleep and never realize it until it’s too late. Grinding or clenching your teeth during the night is called bruxism, which is related to stress 70% of the time because anxiety invades your sleep.

After grinding your teeth for weeks or months at a time, you could need major dental work like a root canal. Save yourself from expensive repairs and uncomfortable nights by purposefully managing your stress.

5. You’ll Lower Cholesterol Levels

Intense anxiety is often a result of your “flight or fight” response. It gives you more adrenaline to get through stressful situations, but it’s unhealthy for your body to remain in that mode long-term. Adrenaline production may trigger additional triglycerides in your blood, which create the bad cholesterol that clogs your arteries. This may be more of a motivator for people who have heart diseases that run in their families.

6. You’ll Decrease Your Risk of Diabetes

People develop diabetes because of genetic predispositions or unhealthy lifestyles. Stress doesn’t cause diabetes by itself, but it can contribute to blood sugar problems that make your body more sensitive to insulin resistance. It’s another result of your “flight or fight” response that you can avoid if you try to manage your stress.

7. You’ll Deal With Less Depression

When you can’t resolve problems that cause stress, depression may become a darker cloud over your life. You might deal with lower self-esteem and motivation, leading to depressive periods. Take care of your mental health and you won’t have to cope with the many harmful effects of depression, like neglecting your health and wellness.

8. You’ll Strengthen Your Immune System

Corticosteroid is a stress hormone that suppresses your immune system and makes it less effective. Avoiding your stress could cause you to become ill more often. Give your body a helping hand by reducing your anxieties and you’ll feel healthier year-round.

9. You’ll Manage Weight Concerns

Sometimes people lose or gain weight when they’re stressed out. It depends on how you cope with your anxiety. Overeating, reaching for processed food, skipping the gym, and sleeping less are a few of the most common ways stress can cause unwanted weight gain. If your coping mechanisms are the opposite — oversleeping, skipping meals, or becoming hyper-aware of your food intake — they might make you more likely to lose weight while you’re stressed.

Without the ups and downs of stressful situations, you’re more likely to stay on track with your physical goals. You’ll have the energy and focus to do whatever you need to do instead of relying on unhealthy habits.

10. You’ll Have More Time for Fun

Dealing with stress usually results in adjusting your schedule. You’ll need to find time for new habits and hobbies, which leaves you with more opportunities to have fun. Everyone deserves to enjoy each day. Discover better ways to spend your time by reducing whatever causes your stress.

Dealing with stress is much easier said than done. Consider what instigates your stress and if you’re currently doing anything to deal with it.

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Start Managing Your Stress Today

There are plenty of reasons to try to manage your stress, but you’ll only find something that works if you pause and reflect. Consider what instigates your stress and if you’re currently doing anything to deal with it. Experimenting with new ideas like talking with experts and trying different habits will guide you into a stress-free future.