What Is Stress?
According to verywellmind.com, stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action.
Day to day demands from the home front and workplace can sometimes be overwhelming. Some people even juggle up for four different roles. In all, the body responds by flashing the red signal: Stress.
How do you know you are Stressed?
Watch out for some subtle but glaring signs of stress.
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
- High blood pressure.
- Stomach or digestive problems.
- Changes in mood.
- Clammy or sweaty palms.
- Digestive problems.
- Feeling anxious.
- Frequent sickness.
- Grinding teeth.
- Low energy.
- Muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders.
- Aches and pains.
- Racing heartbeat.
Stress can also lead to emotional and mental symptoms like:
- Anxiety or irritability.
- Panic attacks.
Stress Prevention is a must.
The following tips can help you put stress on the rear.
- Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation. Programs are available online, in smartphone apps, and at many gyms and community centres.
- Take good care of your body each day. Eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep help your body handle stress much better.
- Stay positive and practise gratitude, acknowledging the good parts of your day or life.
- Accept that you can’t control everything. Find ways to let go of worry about situations you cannot change.
- Learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities when you are too busy or stressed.
- Stay connected with people who keep you calm, make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things. A friend, family member, neighbour or member of your church can become a good listener or share responsibilities so that stress doesn’t become overwhelming.
How to relieve stress.
If you are already living with stress, you can cope. According to clevelandclinic.org, you can’t avoid stress, but you can stop it from becoming overwhelming by practising some of these daily strategies:
- Exercise when you feel symptoms of stress coming on. Even a short walk can boost your mood.
- At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you’ve accomplished — not what you didn’t get done. Take stock of everything you achieved for the day and be grateful for your little successes. Consciously celebrate yourself.
- Set goals for your day, week and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.
- Consider talking to a therapist or a member of the clergy about your worries. Do not bottle up your feelings of worry or anxiety.