WHAT IS STRESS? HOW TO MANAGE & REDUCE STRESS?
Stress, in everyday terms, is a feeling that people have when they are overloaded and struggling to cope up with demands. Stress is the body’s natural defence against predators and danger. It flushes the body with the hormones to prepare systems to evade or confront danger. This is known as the “fight –or flight” mechanism. When we face a challenge, part of our response is physical. The body activates resources to protect us by preparing us either to stay and fight or to get away as fast as possible.
The body changes in the following ways during stress:-
- Blood pressure and pulse rate rise
- Breathing is faster
- The digestive system slows down
- The immune activity decreases
- The muscles become tense
- A heightened state of alertness prevents sleep
CAUSES
Common major life events that can trigger stress include:
- Job issues or retirement
- Lack of time and money
- Bereavement
- Family problems
- Illness
- Relationships, marriages and divorce
Some people experience ongoing stress after a traumatic event, such as accidents or some kind of abuse. This is known as POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD). Those who work in stressful jobs, such as military or the emergency services will have a debriefing session following a major incident, and they will be monitored for PTSD
STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
- Remove or change the source of stress
- Alter the way you view a stressful event
- Lower the impact that stress might have on your body
- Learn alternative ways of coping
Stress management therapy pursues one or more of these approaches.
Technique for stress management can be gained from self– help books, online resources, or by attending a stress management course. A counsellor or psychotherapist can connect an individual who has stress with personal development courses or individual and group therapy sessions.
- Exercise
- Relax Your Muscles
- Deep Breathing
- Eat Well
- Slow Down
- Take a Break
- Make Time for Hobbies
- Talk About Your Problems
- Go Easy On Yourself
- Eliminate Your Triggers