Stress is a normal feeling and it is invariably the way the body reacts to certain situations, but most importantly how we deal with these situations.
Stress is a feeling of emotional pressure suffered by an individual.
According to Medical Encyclopedia – Stress and Your Health: “Stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline. But when stress lasts for a long time, it may harm your health”.
Stress has many triggers which include:
- Loss of job
- Loss of a loved one
- Prior to, a big event(a job interview, an examination, getting married, etc)
- Emotional issues
- Handling a situation that requires effort and consistency
- Abuse ( sexual, physical, substance, etc)
- Being overworked
Stress is initiated by a stress stimulator. If this stressor persists, the situation may result in a more complicated issue such as physical, physiological or psychological problems.
Some examples are:
Physical problems
- Skin reactions
- Hasten aging process
Physiological problem
- High blood pressure
Psychological problems
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Mental illnesses
The following tips can be used to manage stress:
- Plan your tasks ahead: It is quite strategic to plan your tasks ahead as this keeps you mentally prepared.
- Divide big tasks into small chunks and focus on small wins.
- Get enough sleep: Sleeping is an effective way to rest. It helps the body and mind relax and also leaves a person energetic afterwards.
- Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential for the body. It helps with mental clarity and energy.
- Exercise: Exercise helps the body relieve stress and also keeps a person optimistic and happy.
- Do not multitask: Accomplishing a task in totality requires focus. Carry out a task, make sure you are done before you take on another.
- Meditation: This helps with calmness and physical relaxation.
If you try all of these, or some of these and you still find that you are constantly stressed, then you need to talk to a professional.
– Radiyah