Stress Management Techniques
Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello
Twitter: @aderonkew \ [email protected]
In the bid to thrive and become successful, we get busy with work, engaging every part of our body. With all parts of the body system involved and with the way the human body is designed, wear and tear will take place.
While we get busy with the hustle and bustle of daily activities, we tend to sometimes forget to keep body and soul together by not taking care of ourselves, neglecting one of the most important factors which is well-being!
Overtime, fatigue and stress set in and we are unable to do what is expected of us, and carry out normal and required duties. There are ways and methods to manage stress and keep going with our day-to-day activities.
The impact of Stress
Work-life balance is necessary and there are laid-out practical guides that could help in maintaining this so as not to suffer burn out. People tend to be overworked and exhausted which usually has a big impact on their family and social life, and if care is not taken could lead to chronic stress and affect both physical and mental health.
Emotional well-being: A stressed individual is not likely to think straight or behave normally, and factors like anxiety, anger, frustration, aggression, unusual silence, erratic behaviour, and unusual outburst could set in.
General Well-being: When stress sets in, exhaustion, cardiovascular illnesses, insomnia, muscle tensions, weak sex drive, restlessness, fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, poor mobility, mental fatigue, inability to think straight, body pains, dehydration and general weaknesses are some of the negative impacts of stress on the wellbeing and physical lives of individuals.
How to Manage Stress
1. Reduce mobile phone usage: We live in a digital world where technology controls most of our dealings. The fastest means to get things done these days is through smart phones with internet connection. With the emergence of several social media apps which provide entertainment, and information, we get addicted and forget our phones have unhealthy radiation.
Put your phone away and get into real life conversations. Set a time limit for social media, when to set the phone aside, or set it from auto switch to bedtime mode. Phone addiction is one of the major causes of stress.
2. Regular meditation: It helps focus attention and gives the ability to have clear minds and multi-task. It also helps to train the brain in maintaining and getting rid of stress. Meditation reduces negative emotions and helps the brain to function actively and properly.
3. Breathing exercise: Too much stress weakens the immune system. Regular breathing exercises enhance oxygen and body organs by helping them perform better. Meanwhile, having healthy organs improves the immune system. Additionally, this technique helps air to flow into the body by assisting it to reduce stress, calm the nerves and improve attention and physical activities.
4. Physical exercise: Physical activities are used to manage stress, long walks, jogging, cycling, etc. If stress is not closely monitored, it could lead to cardiovascular illnesses. Being physically active will reduce the chances of heart attacks, help manage weight gain, allow the brain to function properly, aid stronger bones, muscles and joints, and help mobility.
5. Drinking a good amount of water and eating right is important, as well as reducing alcohol and tobacco intake and not worrying yourself about issues that you have no power to control. Reduce anything that can trigger stress.
