Stress management : Hack away the inessentials

STRESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress is a universal experience in that we are all experiencing stress in one form or another, most times some are mild while others may be strong

Stress is not necessarily bad or negative to the mind or body. It can be motivating psychologically as well as physically in a positive way. Stress is thought to be largely responsible for most of mankind's success and achievements, since it is stress that causes dissatisfaction or discomfort that pushes man to find solutions to his problems.

Stress has been defined as the non-specific response of the body to any demand. Such demands weather pleasant or otherwise, expects the body to respond to it through some kind of adaptation.

Stress is a biological, psychological social or chemical factor that causes physical or emotional tension.

Adaptation is a behavioral response that maintain the integrity of the individual. Adaptation is viewed positive and is correlated with a healthy response.

Maladaptation is a behavioral response that disrupts the integrity of the individual. Maladaptive behaviors are considered negative and unhealthy response to stress.

THE SIGNS TO IDENTIFY STRESS includes:

1. General irritability

2. Lack of sleep (insomnia)

3. Anxiety

4. Emotional tension and alertness

5. Trembling, nervous ticks

6. Fatigue

7. Dryness of the mouth and throat

8. Inability to concentrate

9. Migraine headaches

10. Premenstrual tension or missed menstrual cycle

11. Loss of appetite

12. Diarrhea, indigestion and sometimes vomiting

13. Sweating

14. Frequent need to urinate

15. Hypermobility (inability to keep still)

Every individual is unique in their own ways of adapting to same stressful event. Some people become ill or distressed while others subjected to same situation are not. Being faced with the same stress over and over again or being faced with series of stressors at the same time may be debilitating to physical and mental health

It has not been generally agreed that specific diseases are actually caused by stress, but certain diseases have long been associated with stress. These includes peptic ulcer, hypertension, migraine and depression.

Depression could be one of the most serious consequences of stress, characterized by withdrawal, feeling of hopelessness, isolation and apathy. Depression is also one of the leading cause of suicide.

HOW TO MANAGE STRESS

STRATEGY 1: AVOID UNNECESSARY STRESS

Individuals should learn to say NO. Know your limits and stick to them whether in personal or professional life. Avoid people that stress you, and take control of your environment.

STRATEGY 2: ALTER THE SITUATION

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. Be willing to compromise ie be flexible. Deal with problems head-on, doing your best to anticipate and prevent them.

STRATEGY 3: ADAPT TO THE STRESSOR

Reframe problem, try to view stressful situations from a more positive perspective. Take perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run. Learn to be okay with "good enough", and focus on the positive.

STRATEGY 4: ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE

Do not try to control the uncontrollable: many things in life are beyond our control especially the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems. Look for the upside, and learn to forgive.

STRATEGY 5: MAKE TIME FOR FUN

Set aside relaxation time, include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Do not allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries. Connect with positive people, and do something you enjoy everyday. Also, keep your sense of humor.

STRATEGY 6: ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, reduce caffeine and sugar, avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, and finally, get enough sleep.

It is important to note that stress is unavoidable, but how we choose to react to stress depends largely on our adaptive system. Stay true to self, do the little you can, live life to the fullest because we all have just one shot at it #YOLO