Understanding Stress Better
From what was once a minor lifestyle condition, stress has morphed into a major mental and physical health ailment in the 21st century.
It’s often easy to normalize stress as commonplace in modern life, but it can manifest adversely in several cases and end up affecting your mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Many people suffering from stress-related health problems are oblivious to the fact that their daily emotional strain and tension is at the root of it all. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder affect millions of people around the world. It is important to understand how stress is affecting you in order to better deal with it.
1. Physical Discomfort- Frequent, unexplained health problems like headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and sleeping problems are common physical indicators of extreme stress. Regular exercise and yoga can help reduce stress and relieve most physical discomforts that are the result of stress.
2. Inability to concentrate- Anxiety due to stress can divert energy from the cognitive centers of your brain. This can lead to severely reduced attention spans, a lack of focus, and finally, lower productivity, which can further aggravate your stress. Taking regular breaks can help reduce your stress and improve your concentration.
3. Neglecting responsibilities- How often do you find yourself in office avoiding important tasks or procrastinating? Procrastination is often a result of stress. This is because excess stress breeds uncertainty and can lead to neglecting important tasks at hand. Making a to-do list every day and ranking your tasks according to priority is an easy way to avoid being overwhelmed by your responsibilities and can help you find ample time to finish each task.
4. Withdrawing from friends and family- In a fast-paced world, some amount of ‘me time’ can be a healthy break from the hustle and bustle. But extreme social isolation could be a sign of high levels of stress. Socializing with others provides a quick relief from stress. Make sure you take some time everyday to spend with friends and family.
5. Sleeping Troubles- Even being stuck in a traffic jam or having an argument with a family member can increase your stress levels and lead to difficulty in falling asleep. Take 30 minutes every day to unwind with meditation and mindfulness. This will allow your body processes to slow down before you go to bed, ensuring better and more restful sleep.
Make a conscious effort to allow yourself to de-stress and relax so that you are able make the most of your life. Keeping a clear demarcation between professional and personal lives is also important.
Remember, the best way to manage stress is by controlling our reaction to it. And if you handle it right, stress can also make you more emotionally resilient.