Stress And Stress Management
Understanding the type and source of stress, whether big or small, long term or short term, be it internal or external, is very important because you will be in a position to deal with it.
Stress can be defined as the reaction of the body to the demands of the world. The conditions in someone’s surrounding that may trigger stress are referred to as stressors.
There usually two main types of stress faced by people. The first one is the acute stress which refers to your body immediate reaction to a significant challenge, threat or scare. Some of the things that can cause acute stress are for example a job interview or exhilarating ski run. The other type of stress is the chronic stress. It comes as a result of long term exposure to acute stress. Its effects are more long lasting and problematic than acute stress. Too much stress can lead to adverse health problems which include: physical symptoms such as fatigue and headache, mental symptoms like poor concentration, also are emotional symptoms like depression and irritability and finally social symptoms which include resentment and isolation.
External stressors are the things that happen to you. There are times when you will have control over them, but they may in other instances go beyond your control. They include things like: major changes in one’s life which can be positive like a new marriage or planned pregnancy, or negative like a death of a loved one or going through divorce. The environment is also another source of stress. Stressors here will include noise disturbance, a barking dog, or excessive light from a bill board across the street. Also the family can be a stressor where maybe a teenager is refusing to cooperate or a nagging mother in law. Social life is another thing, for example a blind date among others.
It is not always that stress will result from things that happen to you. Sometimes stress can originate from within an individual. Those things that will sometimes come into your mind and cause you unrest are known as internal stressors. They may include fear like of heights, flying or being in a discussion with strangers. Uncertainty as a stressor, will involve maybe waiting for a medical result. Another stressor can be attitude which will involve having a negative view of the environment in which you reside. Lastly, is having an unrealistic expectation, like over scheduling and not planning ahead which will raise worries.
There are however several ways that will help to reduce stress. They include connecting with others like going out for dinner with friends and setting aside time every week to be with people you care about and have fun. Another thing is getting physical. This will involve having regular exercises like going to the gym, taking a walk or even a yoga class. Do not also allow negative thoughts to overcome you. In case you find yourself in a stressing situation, think of a positive side of things and focus on it. Try as much as you can and push the thought out of your mind. Another important thing is learning to say no. It is important to avoid overworking both the body and mind. Always say no to things that you have no time to do or do not wish to do. Also reading a book and or listening to music is a good way to help reduce stress. Just six minutes reading slows down the heart rate and reduces tension in the muscles. Likewise listening to music reduces stress by 61% .An important point also is making a list. This will involve putting down all the things you wish to accomplish and keeping a track of them.
Being grateful is also an important aspect. Taking 10 minutes each day to focus on whatever you are grateful for, will train your mind to focus on the positive. An interaction with nature is also an important strategy towards managing stress. One is able to naturally calm his or her body by getting fresh air. It is also important to take vocations especially from work. To stay at home and spend time with your family is an important strategy to reduce stress.
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