How to manage the challenges and stress in life?

How to manage the challenges and stress in life? Here are some useful tips which can help in managing stress.

The contemporary life is full of challenges. I m too much stressed are common phrases for us. We all have experienced it at some point of our life. In simpler terms, it can be understood as a reaction when being placed under pressure, or the feelings we get when we have demands placed on us that we find difficult to cope with or being in situations we don’t have much control over what happens.

Not all of us interpret it, in the same way, what may seem stressful to may not be the same for another individual, and vice versa. Hans Selye spoke about two types of stress, eustress (positive stress) stress caused by desirable situations. It enhances a person’s performance. For e.g. fear of exams leading to better preparation. On the other hand, distress(negative stress) which causes mental agitation, prolonged exposure to this can be harmful. For e.g. heavy workload.

Stress symptoms:

We all handle stress efficiently to some level. Stress becomes problematic when stressors get accumulated and/or become recurrent, resulting in distress or feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. Here are some useful tips which can help in managing stress.

1:LEARN TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF YOUR STRESS: To identify your stress sources, you can consider starting a “stress journal” you can write down the time you feel stressed and what triggers it.

2: DEAL WITH STRESSFUL SITUATIONS IN FOUR WAYS: Once you have identified the trigger, use the “Four A s” to deal with stressful situations. A: Avoid unnecessary stress ; B: Alter the stressful situation; C: Adapt to the stressor ; D: Accept the stresses you can’t change.

3: USE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: If you are familiar with yoga, meditation use it to cool of your mind. If you are busy, you can always use the simplest technique for relaxation, choosing a serene place and deep breathing for five minutes whenever you feel you need a break.

4: GUIDED IMAGERY : Get into a comfortable position. Once you get to a relaxed state, begin to envision yourself in the midst of the most soothing environment you can imagine. As you imagine your scene, try to involve all of your senses. Stay as long as you want in this position.

5: IMPROVE YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT/ORGANIZATION SKILLS:

a. Identify your best time of day, and do the important tasks that need the most energy and concentration at that time.

b. Make a list of things you have to do. Arrange them in order of importance, and try to focus on the most urgent first.

c. Vary your activities. Balance interesting tasks with more mundane ones, and stressful tasks with those you find easier or can do more calmly.

d. Try not to do too much at once. You might find it harder to do any individual task well and you will feel more pressurized.

e. Take breaks and take things slowly. Go on a vacation if needed.

6: ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY / EXERCISE: Even minimal regular exercise can be of great help in the long run.

7: ENSURE GOOD SLEEP AND GET PROPER DIET AND NUTRITION: Sleep well and don’t skip meals and make sure to get enough nutrients.

8: BUILD A SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK: Meeting friends usually helps us feel less stressed. Share your concerns rather than bottling them up. People with a balanced, happy social support structure consisting of friends, family, loved ones, business associates, neighbours manage stress better.

9: AVOID UNHEALTHY COPING STRATEGIES: Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress temporarily but it masks the real issue.

10: IDENTIFY WHAT RELAXES YOU: People have different things which relax them, make them happy like getting a massage, reading books, listening to music, watching comedy, taking long baths with scented candles, doing gardening, shopping, playing with pet, creative work, calling/spending time with loved ones, spending time praying etc. So, once you know what destresses you, go on.

11: SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE: When you feel, you can’t cope on your own and the stress is unbearable.Feel free to seek help from a qualified health professionals (Psychologist, Social Worker or Psychiatrist)

Hope these tips help, take care and be stress free.