A lot of people associate “stress” with mental or psychological stress. However, physicians and scientists use the term “stress” to indicate any force that damages the balance and stability of the body’s functions.
People have to understand though, that even if stress disrupts the function and balance of the body, not all stress is bad. A mild level of tension and stress may sometimes even be beneficial, as in the case of feeling slightly stressed with work projects which can compel an individual to focus more, work energetically and perform a good job.
The same goes with exercise – it produces temporary stress on a few bodily functions yet has indisputable benefits to health. It is only during overwhelming stress, or poorly managed stress, that the effects can become negative. In these cases, it would behoove you to appropriate stress management techniques.
Generally, stress is connected to both internal and external factors. Internal stress could be related to how our minds are interpreting external stress-inducing factors, and how the physical body responds to and deals with stress. External factors could include your job, your physical environment, relationships, home and other situations. Regardless of what is causing your stress, here are some effective stress management techniques:
Exercise
This stress management technique promotes one’s overall fitness. At the same time exercise is helping manage tension and emotional stress by temporarily diverting your mind and body from what’s effecting your stress levels. Not only are “blowing off some steam,” your brain begins firing endorphins helping you calmly and productively to get over your stress.
Time Management
Mastering your time can prevent stress and stop it in its tracks. By having a written plan for each day you won’t have to worry about what needs to be done because it’s already in writing. The simple act of managing your time allows you to reclaim that head space of wonder and fear about whether or not critical tasks were handled. If you don’t have a time management system in place, create one.
Relaxation and Meditation
There are a variety of methods for relaxation and meditation; some can be learned in class while others require you look into yourself. If you haven’t found things that relax you, look for some. And, do yourself a favor and don’t allow your relaxation method to be drugs or alcohol – these will only make things worse, and could actually exacerbate your stress.
Organizational skills
A well-organized physical surrounding eliminates being confronted with stressful situations of misplaced objects.
Support Systems
Developing and cultivating a strong social support network such as friends, loved ones, neighbors, business associates, and even pets, is healthy for the mind and body. A hug, a cuddle and simply chatting with people you care about can quickly ease stress.
The unfortunate reality is that stress is a fact of life. You may not be able to control the stressors heading your way, but you can control how you respond to them and how you manage your own stress.