Stress is a normal part of life. Everyone experiences it from time to time, whether it comes from work, family responsibilities, finances, health concerns, or major life changes. While occasional stress can help motivate us to meet challenges, chronic stress can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health.
The good news is that stress can be managed. By developing healthy coping strategies and seeking support when needed, you can improve your overall well-being and protect your long-term health. At Cullman Internal Medicine, we believe caring for your health means caring for both your body and your mind. Our team is committed to helping patients find effective ways to manage stress and improve their quality of life.
Why Stress Management Matters
When stress becomes a constant presence, the body remains in a prolonged state of alertness. Over time, this can contribute to a variety of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and depression
- Digestive issues
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Weakened immune function
- Fatigue and low energy
Stress can also affect relationships, work performance, and daily enjoyment of life. Learning how to manage stress is not simply about feeling better emotionally. It is an important part of maintaining overall health.
Recognizing the Signs of Stress
Stress affects everyone differently. Some common signs include:
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling tired even after resting
- Increased use of alcohol, caffeine, or unhealthy foods
Recognizing these symptoms early can help you take action before stress begins to negatively impact your health.
Simple Daily Strategies to Reduce Stress
Fortunately, some of the most effective stress management techniques are simple and accessible.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise is one of the best natural stress relievers available. Physical activity helps reduce stress hormones while boosting endorphins that improve mood and energy levels.
You do not have to spend hours in a gym to benefit. A daily walk, bike ride, yoga session, or strength training workout can make a significant difference. Even 20 to 30 minutes of movement most days of the week can help lower stress and improve mental health.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Poor sleep and stress often create a frustrating cycle. Stress makes it harder to sleep, and lack of sleep makes stress harder to manage. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bedtime, and create a relaxing evening routine. Adults generally need seven to nine hours of sleep each night for optimal health.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the body’s stress response.
Even taking five minutes to pause and focus on your breathing can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Maintain Social Connections
Spending time with supportive friends and family members can help you feel connected and understood. Strong social relationships provide emotional support during difficult times and can improve resilience when facing life’s challenges.
Do not underestimate the value of a phone call, a cup of coffee with a friend, or a conversation with a trusted family member.
Healthy Ways to Manage Stress Right Here in Cullman
One of the benefits of living in Cullman is having access to beautiful outdoor spaces and local wellness opportunities that can help support stress management.
Taking a walk through Heritage Park Cullman can provide a peaceful opportunity to clear your mind while enjoying nature. The walking paths and green spaces offer a great environment for physical activity and relaxation.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Sportsman Lake Park provides walking opportunities, scenic views, and a chance to unplug from daily stressors. Spending time in nature has been shown to support both physical and mental well-being.
If structured fitness helps you manage stress, classes at Elevate Cullman offer opportunities for movement, strength building, and mind-body wellness. Activities such as yoga and barre classes can help reduce tension while improving flexibility and fitness.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, The Forty Acre Wood and Larkwood Falls offer local hiking experiences where residents can enjoy fresh air, natural scenery, and a break from daily demands.
When Professional Support Can Help
While lifestyle strategies are important, there are times when stress becomes difficult to manage alone. If stress is affecting your sleep, relationships, work performance, or overall quality of life, speaking with a mental health professional can be incredibly beneficial.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, we understand that mental health is an essential part of overall wellness. That is why we are proud to offer counseling services through Clark Still, LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor on our team. Clark has been serving individuals and families since 1995 and works with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, life adjustments, relationship challenges, and other mental health concerns.
Having access to counseling within your healthcare team can provide a valuable resource when life feels overwhelming. Sometimes, talking with a trained professional can make all the difference in developing healthier ways to cope with stress.
Partnering with Cullman Internal Medicine for Whole Person Health
Managing stress is not about eliminating every challenge from your life. Instead, it is about building the tools and support systems needed to navigate those challenges in healthy ways.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, our providers recognize the strong connection between physical health and emotional well-being. Through preventive care, ongoing health management, and access to counseling services, we strive to support every aspect of your health. Our practice offers comprehensive primary care and psychotherapy services to support whole-person care.
If stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges are affecting your health, you do not have to face them alone. Whether you need guidance on healthy lifestyle changes, support for managing chronic stress, or counseling services with Clark Still, LPC, our team is here to help.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Stress may be a part of life, but it does not have to control your life. By staying active, prioritizing sleep, maintaining strong relationships, spending time outdoors, and seeking professional support when needed, you can improve both your physical and emotional well-being.
If you are looking for a trusted healthcare partner in Cullman, our team at Cullman Internal Medicine is here to help you achieve better health through every stage of life. Together, we can create a plan that supports your body, your mind, and your overall wellness.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.