Managing Stress
Stress is a normal part of life, but it can become a problem if it's too intense or prolonged. Stress can lead to physical and mental health problems, so it's important to know the signs and how to manage them.
Recognizing the Signs of Stress
Stress can have a major impact on our physical and mental health, so it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Physiological Signs of Stress Include:
chronic exhaustion
feeling overwhelmed
difficulty sleeping
difficulty concentrating
feelings irritability or anger
Mental Signs of Stress Include:
anxious or worried
thoughts that you're not good enough
feeling like you're not in control
experiencing everything as a struggle
Behavioral Signs of Stress Include:
Increased use of drugs and alcohol to cope
Verbal or physical aggression
Socially isolating
Poor decision making
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it may suggest that you take a step back and examine yourself and your situation.
Developing a Stress Management Plan
Stress is a normal human reaction to a variety of situations. It's an unavoidable reaction to hunger, poverty, weather, grief, social isolation, physical illness, relationship difficulties and many other factors. In addition, there are many adverse effects of poor mental health.
Exercise helps your body fight against stress and eating healthy nutrient-filled foods helps you maintain your mental health. Also, avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs will help you feel more in control of your life.
Managed stress can keep you safe from harm. Therefore, it's necessary to learn how to manage your emotions well. It includes addressing your anger, understanding your sadness and promoting your happiness. Some people can become violent or commit suicide when they are under severe emotional distress. We must learn how to control our instinctive reactions so that we don't harm ourselves or others.
Stress Management Techniques
Stress management techniques include:
Meditation
Yoga Nidra: The Science of Relaxation and Rest
Learn breath control exercises like ratio breathing or alternate nostril breathing.
Talk about the things that bother you.
Get some quality sleep.
Spend some time on your hobbies.
Avoid multitasking
Conclusion
Part of learning to manage stress is to realize that you can exercise choice. Take some time to think and decide what you want and let that be a part of your life. And this process keeps changing, so if there is something that no longer serves you, don't hesitate to disconnect it from your life. See if you can no longer allow persistent burdens to occupy space in your life, by implementing a stress management plan.
