No matter how cautious you are with your health, stress does find its way and cause damage to your emotional and physical health. You may have medical cover for unlimited GP visits and you frequently visit your doctor, but you need to manage your stress. Your body might have a lot of strength, but stress is a problem beyond these positive things. Although stress is a part of our existence when it starts hampering our daily activities, it means it needs to be treated. Medical insurance companies in South Africa mention that illnesses due to chronic stress is on the rise and increasing number of people are being treated for stress. (Information Credit – https://getsavvi.co.za/about-us)
What is Stress?
Stress is the way your body responds to a situation. When any change or adjustment is required, your body reacts to it with physical, mental and emotional responses. It is normal until the level of stress is extreme. However, stress that continues and occurs quite often needs to be managed. It is a condition, which has negative effects on your body. It may disturb the internal balance of your body and lead to some physical symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms Caused by Stress?
The most dangerous thing about chronic stress is that it appears with a lot of physical as well as emotional and behavioural signs and symptoms. The symptoms include-
What Causes Chronic Stress?
There are several external and internal factors, which cause stress. Exhausting work schedule or unruly relationship - these are the external factors which trigger stress and anxiety. Apart from this, your stress can also be internal or self-generated. If you worry excessively about something or think pessimistically about your life, it may lead you to stress or anxiety. Common internal causes of stress include major changes in life, difficulties in relationships, financial problems, problems regarding children and family. On the other hand, the internal matters that triggers stress are pessimism, unrealistic expectations, inability to accept uncertainty, lack of flexibility and all-or-nothing attitude.
How to Handle Stress?
There are certain things that might help you get rid of your stress. Here are the ways how you can relieve stress and stay in a good mental state.
Relaxation Techniques
The adverse effects of stress can be reduced by practising the relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing. By practising these on a regular basis, you can reduce everyday stress level and boost yourself with the feeling of peacefulness and happiness.
Develop the Right Eating Habit
The food you eat has an impact on your mood. The right eating habit can improve your mood and make you able to cope with stress. Fresh fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids and high protein may help you defeat the symptoms of stress. On the other hand, you should avoid refined carbs, processed foods and sugary snacks.
Music Can Bring Calmness
Music is good to engage your senses and make you feel calm. It may have a positive effect on your brain and body and can reduce the blood pressure and lower the level of cortisol hormone that is associated with stress.
Adequate rest Helps
Exhaustion may increase the stress level, caused by irrational thinking. You should ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of sleep in order to feel less stressed and more productive. In addition, you can also stay emotionally balanced. If you are experiencing a lack of sleep, you can go through the plenty of ways to improve your sleep by reducing caffeine intake, taking a melatonin supplement, avoiding alcohol and optimizing bedroom environment.
Interaction is Essential
Talking to someone else may trigger hormones that relieve stress, especially if it is your friend or loved ones. Exchange of words and sharing problems with your friends will help calm and soothe your nervous system. Stay connected to the friends, date with them and maintain a good social life to uplift your mood.
Aromatherapy Can Help
Aromatherapy is another way to treat your mood. It refers to the use of soothing scent or fragrance. You can use essential oil or burn scented candles to reduce the feeling of stress. The aromas that may work include lavender, rose, bergamot, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, neroli, frankincense, geranium, orange blossom etc. Several studies reveal that aromatherapy can minimise anxiety and improve sleep.
Laughing is a Good Therapy]
Laughing is a good therapy to keep your heart healthy and to keep your mind fresh. It relieves stress and tension by relaxing your muscles. Watch funny shows and videos, hang out with your friends, and indulge in activities which make you happy.
Final Words:
Keeping your mental state at the right condition is equally important as maintaining good physical condition. Stress and anxiety may lead you to a hard-to-live condition. It is better to deal with stress prior to getting into a chronic condition.
