Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. This sounds like many of us, we feel like we are being drowned by so many things calling out for our attention, we want to attend to everything at same time. This is practically impossible, but the more we try the result is us falling apart emotionally or physically beaten.
Stress is a normal reaction the body has when changes occur, what this means is that it is a part of life as changes are constant. What makes the difference is the way we respond to it.
Poor management of stress can cause wear and tear of our bodies – physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Some negative effects of stress on our physical body include:
- Aches and pains.
- Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing.
- Exhaustion or trouble sleeping.
- Headaches, dizziness or shaking.
Emotional
- Anxiety or irritability.
- Depression.
- Panic attacks.
- Sadness
Stress can affect us in many ways, mostly negatively, the way we handle and manage it goes a long way.
Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive.
It is important that we understand when we need to slow down so we do not experience those negative effects of stress. We must understand how to minimize stress stimulants. We may not be able to eliminate the stressors, but we can minimize them.
Some strategies you can apply to manage stress.
- Learn to plan your day, do not just jump into activities.
- Prioritize. Focus on important and productive things.
- Maximize your time. Avoid time wasting activities that drain you of energy.
- Set goals for your day, week, and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.
- Make exercise a part of your daily routine, no matter how minimal (a walk)
- At the end of each day, take a moment to think about what you have accomplished — not what you did not get done.
There are ways you can prevent stress.
- Try relaxation activities, such as meditation, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
- Take good care of your body each day. Eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep help your body handle stress much better.
- Stay positive and practice an attitude of gratitude, pay attention to the good things you have in life.
- Understand you do not have control over everything. Stop worrying about that which you cannot control.
- Learn to say “No” and not be sorry, to additional responsibilities when you are too busy or stressed.
- Surround and connect with people who keep you calm, make you happy, provide emotional support and help you with practical things.