Stress Management

Now life is full of hassles, time limit, frustrations, and anxiety. For most people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world.

If you are feeling exhausted and snowed under, it’s time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance by recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

External causes of stress

• Major life changes
• Work stress
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial problems
• Being too busy
• Children and family

Internal causes of stress

• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Pessimism
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations
• Perfectionism
• Lack of assertiveness

Health problems caused by stress

• Pain of any kind
• Heart disease
• Digestive problems
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Autoimmune diseases
• Skin conditions, such as eczema

Unhealthy ways of coping with stress

These ways may temporarily reduce stress, but cause more damage in long run

• Smoking
• Drinking too much
• Overeating or under eating
• Spending hours in front of the TV or computer Using pills or drug
• Sleeping too much
• Procrastinating
• Filling up every minute to avoid facing problems
• Taking out your stress on others
• Withdrawing from peers

Healthier ways to manage stress

These are healthy ways to manage and cope with stress, by this you can either change the situation or change your reaction.

• Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way.

• Manage your time better. Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. But if you plan ahead and make sure you don’t overextend yourself, you can alter the amount of stress you’re under.

• Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and free yourself from negative energy by forgiving.

• Set relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to infringe. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge yourself.

• Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week.

• Eat a healthy diet. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

• Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

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