How To Handle Stress Correctly
Dealing with stress can be complicated, and can become a vicious circle that paradoxically creates more stress. While a certain level of stress is considered beneficial because it can help overcome difficult situations such as. exam or responsibilities at work, stress can be harmful if not kept in check.
Fortunately, there are techniques and habits that can help deal with stress and keep it from paralyzing us, causing us to react uncontrollably or causing anxiety and even physical ailments.
The problems that stress causes
Stress is the body’s normal response to complicated situations.
Dr. Hans Selye has identified three phases of stress that define the different states we experience when we are exposed to stressful situations:
1. Alarm
This is the immediate response to a dangerous or difficult situation. Your heart rate increases, hormones such as cortisol are released, and your body gets an adrenaline boost that helps you respond.
2. Resistance
After the first impact, it is normal for the body to relax and restore its normal levels. But if you do not overcome the situation that generates stress, the body is still on guard and gets used to high blood pressure and hormone levels.
Exhaustion
Stress becomes chronic and the body depletes its reserves to fight it. At this point, it has emotional and physical effects such as:
- Exhaustion
- Depression
- Burnout
- Anxiety
- Weakened immune system
- Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases
How to deal with stress
The American Psychological Association (APA) claims that there are several types of stress and that each person must find their own way of dealing with stress. Thus, every person should discover the causes of their stress, in order to reduce its impact.
Here are some tips:
Temporarily separate yourself from the source of stress
Once you have identified the situation that is stressing you, separate yourself as much as possible from it. It is not about avoiding a problem that you have a duty to solve, but about taking a mental break from it.
exercise
Exercise regulates the physiological processes involved in stress and anxiety. A study of 288 families over the age of 10 found that those who exercised had less anxiety, and they overcame the first signs of stress much faster than those who did no physical activity.
This is the result of several reactions that exercise causes in the body:
- When you exercise, the body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that the body produces.
- Hormonal activity also decreases with exercise, which means that the body releases less cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone.
- Exercise helps you sleep, which means your body and mind will be more rested.
A daily exercise routine such as walking, dancing or cycling can help deal with stress.
Practice yoga to deal with stress
Yoga is one of the best ways to deal with stress. In addition to the benefits of exercise, which we discussed above, studies have shown that yoga acts as an antidepressant and anxiolytic, and it helps to relax the mind. Yoga also promotes concentration so it helps you to separate yourself mentally from the source of stress.
Find a suitable place and set aside a few minutes a day to practice yoga.
Start meditating to deal with stress
Meditation helps you relax in body and mind. Focusing on your breathing or the environment around you through this technique will force you to separate yourself instantly from the problem that is giving you stress and will give you a new perspective.
Try natural antidepressants
Natural herbal infusions, such as valerian, green tea and lemon balm, have been shown to reduce stress.
Do fun activities with people who make you feel comfortable
Socialization is an effective tool for eliminating anxiety when used properly.
After all, any activity that helps you clear your mind will help deal with stress. If you focus your attention on something other than your problems, you will achieve a calmer state of mind. If the activity you choose is fun, it will be even more helpful because laughter helps relieve stress.
You can also do other activities that give your heart and body a break. Listen to music, visit new places in good company, practice a hobby such as painting, writing or other crafts – all these are good opportunities. Doing different and entertaining things will distract you from your stress.
If none of these things work, it is a good idea to seek professional help. Therapists are ready to help you deal with stress and to guide you on the best way to overcome it.
