In today’s times, stress and pressure have become a way of life. Multi-tasking, competition, emotional trauma, future uncertainties, expectations and anxiety are just some of our everyday compatriots.
The average age of heart attacks has reduced, cancer is on the rise, depression and mental setbacks are a common problem that a large number of people are dealing with.
Everyone feels overwhelmed and overly busy. So, is there a way to maintain a balanced approach in an environment as complex as ours? Is it possible to do everything that needs to get done and still have energy left? Is it easy to stay cool while handling a range of demands?
Here are some ways that can help reduce stress and make a person aware of his/her situation and keep control –
Physical Activity –
Stressful situations increase the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in your body. These are designed to protect us from immediate bodily harm when we are under threat.
However, this can be reduced if we physically exercise. It can metabolize the excessive stress hormones and restore the body and mind to a more relaxed state.
Go for a walk, do light exercises as per your body type. Sleep well – as important as physical fitness. Aim to have a routine in place – go to bed at roughly the same time each day so that your mind and body get used to the routine.
Talking always helps –
Airing out your deepest concerns is very important rather than let it weigh you down to an extent where it becomes dangerous.
Stress can cloud your judgement and prevent you from seeing things clearly. Talking helps you understand the choices you have. It helps you find solutions. It also makes others aware of the situation you are in. Taking professional help is another solution.
Manage Your Time –
Many a times, we feel overwhelmed and overburdened with the extent of work we have. Manage your time and priorities to handle this aspect.
Make a ‘To Do’ list. Realise there is a limit you can perform till. Don’t extent if you think you do not have the capacity. Lay down your boundaries well in advance. Be assertive and learn to say no.
Create buffer for emergency tasks and situations. Have a Plan B ready.
Reacting not the best way forward –
Sometimes situations are out of our control. We feel so overcome with emotions that we react without thinking and analysing. These are the times when we need to take charge of our remote control and keep the ‘stop’ button pressed. Understand your state of mind, seek help and then act.
Tweak the perspective –
Sometimes, we only think from one point of view – ours. We are closed to understanding the other side. Our thought process is governed by subjective interpretation of facts.
Step back and put yourself in the other person’s shoes or in that situation. This will help you take an objective view.
Reset the panic mode –
For those who are the ‘panic’ variety, it’s important to reset their thinking modes and buttons. Take a deep breath, count backwards, analyse the pros and cons of doing something wrong and then smile and move on.
Stress can grow into life threatening problems. Identify and handle it at a stage where it can be controlled.