What is Stress
At peace with self, in harmony with the surroundings, is what a balanced personality comprises of. But this ideal personality is becoming increasingly rare because challenges and ever-increasing expectations constantly confront us. All this culminates in tremendous pressure upon us. It causes disturbance in the “homeostasis” or the equilibrium of the body. Stress is no longer a meaningless cliche but has become an established medical entity affecting both body and mind.
Different Types of Stress
Stress has become a constant feature in today’s life, whether one is stuck in a traffic jam, trying to meet a deadline at work or coping with family demands. This complex, harsh and less natural living makes us physically, emotionally and mentally stressed. Overcoming stress in everyday life plays a crucial role in our survival and success.
What it Does to You
Stress is an unseen ailment which disturbs the equilibrium of our life. Our personality, behaviour and lifestyle have an important influence on our stress levels. Constant excessive demands lead to an inability to cope with stress which manifests in physical exhaustion, fatigue, poor concentration, impaired attention and stress-related illnesses like high blood pressure, heart attack, insomnia, hair loss, skin complaints, and bowel disturbances, to name a few.
Stress also disturbs a person’s mental state, leading to anger, boredom, envy and frustration. It becomes harmful when we cannot control our response to it.
How to Manage & Overcome Stress
Knowing one’s strengths and limitations is one of the easiest ways to overcome stress. Stressful situations can be avoided by organising and scheduling our activities efficiently.
Eat a sensible diet
Eat more fruits, and you’ll feel more relaxed. The more beautiful your fruit bowl, the less likely you will turn to stress-enhancing snack foods. Avoid oily, fried and spicy food and switch to a more nutritious diet comprising green vegetables.
Take time out for a walk & exercise
Regular exercise increases energy levels and reduces stress. Something as basic as a nice brisk walk can keep you fit and your mind
fresher to deal with situations. Exercise at least thrice a week. Yoga can be a great stress reliever. It helps relax your mind & calm your muscles while toning them simultaneously.
Think positively
Most of our worries are future based and revolve around things that, in most cases, will never happen. Think positively. Concentrate on the present, and the future will take care of itself.
Meditate
Concentrate on a movement, a sound, an image, or a thought. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Before you know it, you will be meditating.
Sleep like a baby
Anything that interferes with your sleep – coffee, cola, alcohol – interferes with your ability to become calm. Do whatever is necessary to get as much sleep as you feel you need.
Learn to say no
Before affecting your efficiency and state of mind, you can achieve only a certain target. Only take on what you can do – then politely but firmly turn down all other requests.
Smile, It costs nothing
A smile relaxes all the major facial muscles. It sets off an emotional chain reaction that invariably helps you feel good.
Act like a human
Please leave it to others to be perfect, to be excellent. Be content with what you want – you’ll be much more relaxed as a result.
Waste some time
Take out time and waste it. Do more fun-filled activities, meet more friends, take a day off, and relax. Try it, and it’ll take away half your tension.
Enjoy simple pleasures in life
A bunch of flowers, a cup of coffee, green fields, a sunset, a sky of clouds, a moment of love, all of such things can lead to a calm state of mind.
Now that you know all about stress and how to overcome it, you must take life as it comes and enjoy every moment of it.
Wishing you all the best and a blissful life ahead!
