Today, we will discuss a silent killer that is ready to strike us in the worst way possible & almost every one of us is a victim of it. We are talking about Stress & in the course, we will talk about how to manage stress effectively. We all have different reasons that make us victims of Stress. Reasons like financial or family problems, daily life & business can invite Stress to our respective lives. Instead of wailing helplessly, we can get up & do something to manage it effectively.
Why Stress Management Is Important
Stress has various adverse effects on our lives. Let’s consider some of its impacts:
1. Affects Health
Stress affects our health in worse ways than we think. A leading cause of the cardiac disease is stress. It can cause issues like high blood pressure, which ultimately leads to cardiac arrests. The results of another study linked chronic stress with a 40-60% increased risk of coronary heart disease. As we all know, we must take care of stress and our precious hearts. Stress is a major cause of digestive disorders & accelerated aging too.
2. Affects Relationships
Stress can negatively impact relationships because of the anger, frustration, and irritation caused by it. We may vent it off to our partners or family members when we feel stressed. This can create actual harm in a relationship, affecting communication and trust, which becomes another reason for stress.
3. Affects Our Performance
Stress at work is frequent. The fight-or-flight retort kept for actual threats can frequently be triggered by a demanding manager or an upcoming deadline. However, reacting to constant stress can damage your ability to succeed at your job. Stress can affect job performance in various ways, like, as difficulty in making decisions, the urge to avoid or leave work, mood swings at work, and procrastination.
Needless to say, these can all show us in a negative light. This is one of the answers to the question of why stress management is important.
4. Affects Our Rest
If we are subject to stress, it will affect our rest in a significant way. A study has shown that people who suffer from stress also have insomnia. If you are a victim of stress, you will find it difficult to fall asleep & get a night of quality sleep. If you are deprived of sleep, you will always be tired & will be unable to concentrate or perform anything.
How To Manage Stress Effectively
We can keep all these effects at bay by managing stress. By following simple steps, you can manage stress effectively.
1. Eat & Drink Healthy
Some people try to decrease stress by drinking alcohol or overeating. These may seem to help but may add to stress in the long run. Caffeine & tobacco also can complex the effects of stress. While having a healthy, balanced diet can help combat stress.
2. Exercise
Not only physical benefit, but exercise also boosts the production of feel-good hormones like Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin & Endorphins. These hormones help us to fight against stress. You don’t need to go for heavy exercise or hit a gym. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling help too. Keeping your body fit is a great way to fight against stress.
3. Practice Meditation & Yoga
Yoga & meditation has proven benefits while fighting against stress. So, the type of yoga & meditation helps us to relax; they specifically target stress & provide a remedy. A study has shown that regular practice of meditation & yoga is a great way to deal with stress. It would help if you had proper guidance to get the appropriate benefits. You can consult some experts, search online, or refer to handbooks.
4. Set Realistic Goals
It is OK to accept that you may fall sometimes; it is OK to understand that you may not get 100% success. Therefore, you must stop pushing yourself too hard toward some unrealistic goal. Be aware of what you can control and accept what you can’t control.
5. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself with others is a significant cause of stress. We are all born with different skill sets, attitudes, and features. If someone has more success than you, you don’t need to feel bad about it. Maybe that person has worked hard with all their skill & those paid off, but that doesn’t mean you will be a failure.
You need to believe in your skills & work on them. Your desired success will come to you today or tomorrow. It is unwise to compare a fish with a lion by swimming skills.
6. Spend Time with People You Love
The company of some beloved person is an excellent way to manage stress effectively. Have a hearty chat, go out together, watch a movie, and have dinner together. Increase your communication & try not to bring up the reason for your stress. After some time together, you will feel more relaxed.
7. Take a Break
Take a break from your daily life & go for a vacation to the place you like. It can be in a small village in the lap of mountains or a little cottage near the sea beach. It can be a solo trip or a tour with family/friends. Small breaks from our daily schedule are a great way to fight against stress. It will fill us up with new memories & experiences. The newly found energy will help us to bring down the stress level.
8. Have a Pet
If possible, adopt a pet. A study has shown having a pet can reduce daily stress in a significant way. Choose a pet according to your preference. It can be a cat, a dog, a bird, or a hamster. Spend time with it. Take your dog for a walk, play with your cat, or teach the bird to say some words. These activities will fill you up with a new kind of joy. The feeling of taking care of another being is fulfilling & can help to fight against stress.
Conclusion
Although stress is an inescapable part of life, being constantly stressed takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Luckily, we have some ways to fight against it. If you’re experiencing overpowering stress or symptoms of anxiety and depression, consider making an appointment with a therapist or visiting a trusted counselor to discuss ways to manage stress effectively.
