Everyday Stress and Your Health: Insights from Dr. Nicholas Batson

Listen to the full interview on Radio Catskill’s website

In a recent Radio Catskill interview, Crystal Run psychiatrist, Dr. Nicholas Batson, discussed how chronic stress can affect both mental and physical health—and shared practical ways to manage stress day-to-day.

Everyday stress vs. chronic stress

Stress is a normal part of life, and short-term stress at times can even be motivating. The concern is chronic stress—stress that persists over time—which can feel constant and start to affect overall health.

Over weeks or months, chronic stress may contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease, while also influencing mood, thinking patterns, and daily functioning.

Signs stress is affecting you

Stress can show up mentally and can include repetitive negative thinking, trouble concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed. Physical symptoms of stress may include tension headaches, muscle tightness, heart palpitations, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. Batson also noted that catastrophizing—when small problems start to feel much larger—can be a sign your stress level needs attention.

Daily habits that help manage stress

Start with the basics: consistent sleep (about 6½–8½ hours) and limiting stressful screen time before bed. Regular activity helps too—Dr. Batson noted that even about 60 minutes of cardio a week (like brisk walking) can be beneficial.

Caffeine can also affect anxiety for some people; he noted that around two cups of coffee (depending on strength) may start to increase symptoms.

Grounding techniques and support

Grounding techniques—such as focusing on physical sensations, temperature, or sound—can help bring you back to the present moment. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can help over time. Dr. Batson compared these skills to “fire drills”: they work best when practiced regularly. Social support matters, too—talking with trusted friends, family, or a healthcare provider can help you gain perspective.

When to seek help

Consider reaching out for professional support if stress is consistently interfering with sleep, appetite, mood, or daily functioning—or if you feel persistently overwhelmed.

While stressors can change across life stages, Dr. Batson emphasized that stress is manageable with the right tools and support.

“We all deal with stress. We have to have a little bit of stress. It’s the chronic stress that we need to take care of.”

At Crystal Run Healthcare, our expert psychiatric and behavioral health providers take a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach to mental health and wellness. Working with primary care doctors, specialists, and therapists, our providers can address the psychological, physical, and emotional well-being of patients. We’re dedicated to providing patients with the most comprehensive mental health treatment available. 

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