Simple ways to reduce and cope with stress

M Merali

Stress is the feeling that one cannot cope with the pressures of today’s hectic lifestyle.

You are stressed if you feel your responsibilities are too heavy to bear.

While the positive aspects of stress can be a source of motivation, the negative parts torture mentally and physically. "I cannot cope", is becoming an all too common phrase in today’s fast-paced living environment. This can lead to anger, frustration, depression, loss of interest in everyday activities and ultimately, a feeling of utter hopelessness as well as withdrawal and isolation.

The end result is that your life becomes difficult, communication breaks down in families, workmates and friends leading to a snowballing effect of additional stress build-up.

Those in demanding positions need to be especially aware of their own, colleagues and family members’ stress.

Factors that contribute to stress include too much work, unreasonable demands, wrong timings, bad time management, life, or work changes, studies, lifestyle and posture.

Inability to cope

Finance, family and relationship problems also cause stress.

Signs of stress include inability to cope at work, poor performance, illnesses such as high blood pressure, headaches, backaches, ulcers, lack of appetite, higher alcohol or tobacco use, relationship problems, anger, sleep disturbance, negative thinking, anxiety and depression.

Indicators for stress fall into three categories: physical, psychological, behavioural and emotional.

Physical factors include tiredness, shortness of breath, skin rashes, wheezing attacks, dizziness and headaches, palpitations and chest pain, body aches and pains, stomach problems such as aches, diarrhoea, constipation and nausea.

Psychological ones include irritability, tension and anxiety, lack of concentration, pessimism, nervousness and inability to relax and memory loss. Common behavioural disorders include increased drinking of alcohol or smoking, drug use, violent behaviours, stammering, lack of interest in favourite hobbies or pastimes, sleeping disorders, or muscle twitches. You can manage stress through effective time management, prioritisation, counselling, planning, upgrading of skills, delegation and proper diet. Building a buddy system, realistic expectations, resolving conflicts, positive thinking, exercise and good diet, faith, family, financial management and positive help.

 

 

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