New Delhi: Stress is a natural part of being human and can be a motivation to accomplish tasks. Even when experiencing high levels of stress due to a serious illness, job loss, death of a family member, or a painful life event, this is still a normal aspect of life. Feeling down or anxious during such times is also within the realm of normality, at least temporarily.
Tips for reducing stress:
Here are some tips to reduce stress:
- Maintain a positive attitude and acknowledge that certain events are beyond your control.
- Prefer positive behavior over aggressive behavior.
- Express your feelings, views, or beliefs without resorting to anger, defensiveness, or passivity.
- Develop effective time management skills.
- Set appropriate boundaries and say no to urges in your life that can cause too much stress.
- Make time for your hobbies and interests.
- Avoid relying on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to relieve stress, as these substances can exacerbate stress in the body.
- Seek social support and spend enough time with loved ones.
ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR MANAGING STRESS:
Exercise: Being physically active can improve your sleep quality, which in turn helps manage stress. Although the exact reasons are not fully understood, people who exercise more often tend to experience better “slow wave” deep sleep, which promotes renewal of the mind and body. However, it’s important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as it can disrupt sleep for some people. In addition, exercise often leads to reduced anxiety and increased self-esteem. When the body feels good, the mind often follows. You can relieve stress through the following exercises:
- Escape
- Swimming
- Dance
- cycle
- Aerobics
Diet: In addition to physical health, the benefits of eating healthy foods include mental well-being. A nutritious diet can reduce the effects of stress, boost the immune system, stabilize mood, and lower blood pressure. Conversely, a diet high in added sugars and fats can have the opposite effect. Delicious food can seem more appealing, especially during times of increased stress. Opt for complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and essential fatty acids found in foods like fish, meat, eggs, and nuts to maintain overall health and balance.
Sleep: One of the common consequences of stress is difficulty falling asleep. Experiencing this problem at least three times a week for a continuous three-month period may indicate insomnia – a condition characterized by the inability to initiate and maintain sleep. Insufficient sleep can exacerbate stress levels, leading to a cycle of stress and insomnia.
Methods of relaxation:
- Yoga: Although it is a form of exercise, yoga also serves as a meditative practice. There are many different types of yoga, but those that emphasize slow movements, stretches, and deep breathing are particularly effective at reducing anxiety and stress.
- Meditation: With a history of over 5,000 years, meditation has endured for good reason. It offers benefits to many people, helps reduce stress and more.
- Deep Breathing: Practicing deep breathing activates the body’s own relaxation response, inducing a state of deep relaxation that reverses the body’s stress response. This technique increases the oxygen supply to the brain and calms the segment of the nervous system responsible for relaxation.
- Try belly breathing: Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
LAUGHTER THERAPY:
Laughter increases oxygen intake, benefits the heart, lungs, and muscles, while increasing the release of feel-good hormones. In addition, laughter strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and maintains a high mood for a long time.
TALKING THERAPY:
Long-term talk therapy has proven helpful in managing stress in some people. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps change negative thought patterns. A therapist can guide you to alternative strategies that may be effective.
Stress is a significant concern for both individuals and organizations, and when sustained over a long period of time, leads to potential burnout. There are a variety of approaches for individuals and organizations to reduce the negative health and work-related consequences of excessive stress.