Feeling like there are too many pressures and demands on you? Losing sleep worrying about tests and schoolwork? Eating on the run because your schedule is just too busy? You’re not alone. Everyone experiences stress at times - adults, teens, and even kids. But there are things you can do to minimize stress and manage the stress that’s unavoidable.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness. Stress is the body’s reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response.
Distress is a negative stress response. It occurs when stress continues without relief. Distress disturbs the body’s internal balance causing physical and emotional symptoms: headache, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, insomnia, depression, panic attack and anxiety.
Stress is a part of life. Knowing ways to manage stress can be beneficial.
1. Make Time to Relax.
Find ways of relaxing. Learn how to meditate or use relaxation exercises. Listen to soothing music. Take a bath. Do whatever helps you relax. If needed learn stress management or biofeedback techniques from healthcare professionals, as healthy ways to manage stress.
2. Maintain a Normal Routine.
As much as possible, try to stick to a normal daily routine. Limit additional responsibilities. Learn to say “No.”
3. Eat a healthy Diet.
Focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid excessive sugar, fatty foods and caffeine. Use alcohol in moderation and don’t try and self-medicate which can make the distress worse.
4. Include Exercise as Part of Your Day.
Participating in some kind of moderate exercise activity for at least 30 minutes on most days helps relieve stress, boost energy levels, aid sleep and improve mood. Exercise is also good for the heart, lungs and mind. Activities include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics, hiking
5. Keep a Positive Attitude.
Holding positive thoughts, rather than succumbing to a negative one can help in maintaining a positive attitude. Think positively about yourself. Surrounding yourself with positive and inspiring people can help elevate your mood.
6. Participate in Activities You Enjoy.
Make time for hobbies and other interests. Read a good book. Garden. Knit. Be part of a sports team. Keep a journal. Work on Crafts. Volunteer your services. Assist someone in need.
7. Get Enough Sleep.
Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night will make it easier to cope with stress and distress. A well-rested person is more alert and quick thinking and less irritable, grouchy and tense.
8. Talk with a Trusted Person.
Talking with someone about intense feelings when distressed can be helpful. Share feelings with a trusted friend, family member, healthcare professional or clergy. Sharing the distress helps to lessen the feelings of distress. Some find that participating in a support group with others who have experienced similar situations or events can also be helpful in easing distress.
9. Learn to Adapt Instead of Control.
Accept that there will be situations, events and people throughout life that you are unable to control. Learning to be flexible, to roll with the punches and ride the waves can help in reducing stress.
10. Remember to Laugh
Laughter is one of the best medicines; it releases chemicals into the brain that promote relaxation. People who are able to find humor in life and are happier tend to be more productive live longer and have less physical problems. Maybe a good laugh a day will help keep the stressors away
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