When browsing social media, we often come across the word Stress and then followed by a write-up on how to manage or prevent it. And because you clicked on this blog post, you are likely experiencing some signs brought about by changes in your life. Let us discuss Stress for a moment. The feeling of Stress is our body’s response to the changes that we are currently facing. These changes can be unpleasant and can lead to physical and mental alteration.
Stress is our body’s normal response but needs to be managed, to avoid interference in our routine and long-term health problems. When we come face to face with stress, our flight or fight response is activated. By this time, you will feel an increase in your heart rate, sweaty palms, and feeling flushed evidenced by your cheeks turning red. So why does this happen? This is to prepare our body to either fight or run away. Note that this response applies to real and nonexistent danger. Understanding where your stressor is coming from plays a huge role in stress management. So here are seven effective ways in managing stress so we can avoid possible health problems.
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE BURNOUT
At times it can be hard to admit that we feel stressed. As much as possible, we want to seem unmoved and continue with our routine. But this intervention will do you more harm than good. Admitting you are stressing over something and even asking for help, will allow you to handle it well.
A HEALTHY DIET AND EXERCISING REGULARLY
Having a well-balanced diet can improve your physical and mental health. Food like green and leafy vegetables is known to improve your mood and combat some of the nagging symptoms of stress like a headache. Exercising, on the other hand, decreases stress hormones and produces happy hormones known as endorphins.
ENGAGE IN OFFSCREEN ACTIVITIES
We live in the digital era, where almost every transaction is done online. Because of this, we seldom have the time to do things offscreen. However, too much screen time can cause our stress levels to rise. On days when you are off from work, why not go for a walk, read, enjoy a soothing soak or maybe sit on your porch and watch the sunset?
DON’T NEGLECT YOUR SELF-CARE REGIMEN
Everyone defines self-care differently. Others like to do relaxing activities like yoga or meditation. While some define self-care as going to the spa to get a soothing massage, get their nails done, or go to the salon and get a haircut. It doesn’t matter how you define self-care, what matters is you benefit from it, and it will ease your mind and free it from stress.
HAVE SOMEONE YOU CAN TALK TO
Talking to someone you trust can help lessen an anxious feeling. Sometimes all we need is someone we can express our feelings to. Someone who can reassure us that everything will be okay. If not now, then eventually it will. So the next time you feel anxious or frustrated, remember that talking to a trusted person can take the load off your shoulder.
KEEP YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE TO A MINIMUM
Caffeine is a stimulant, and too much intake of food or beverage that contains caffeine can contribute to high-stress levels and even anxiety. These include coffee, chocolates, some teas, and energy drinks. Even though coffee can be good for our bodies, it’s best to keep your consumption to a minimum.
CREATE A HEALTHY SLEEPING ROUTINE
Lack of sleep can make a person irritable, and when a person is not in the mood, their daily activities are affected and can cause stress. It’s important to get enough rest so you will have the energy to face whatever challenge that will come your way.
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