HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS
Stress Isn't a Piece of Cake!
It's a breezy normal day when you suddenly receive an email: PAYMENT DUE TODAY!
You scan the rest of your email and read another one from your boss: DEADLINE MOVED TODAY. SUBMIT ASAP!
You rush to work hoping to get a head start only to be stuck in traffic. Your brain, aware of the urgency of the day, sends out stress hormones all over the body! Your heart begins to race, your breath starts to quicken, and your start to muscles tense. It's a fight or flight response. In the primitive days, this helped your body outrun predators or sword fight enemies. But today, most of our stressors (money, work, relationships), keep our bodies in the heightened state long term. This has serious effects on our health.
How Stress Affects Your Body
When the stress hormones are activated too long or too often, it can damage our body. Sharon Horesh Begquist in her Ted Talk gives us a look at how chronic stress affects our bodies.
How to Cope With Stress
Exercise Regularly.
Physical activity is a great way to release excess stress hormones and restore your body and mind to a relaxed state. When you are shaking from stress and your muscles are tensing up, go for a jog or a short walk in the fresh air. If the nature of your work means consistent stressors, incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. Consider cycling to work or visiting the gym after work. Not only will you sweat out extra pounds, but regular exercise will also improve the quality of your sleep.
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Nicotine.
Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and will increase your levels of stress rather than reduce them. Alcohol acts as a depressant and harms organs in your body. Reduce your consumption of these products or swap them with healthier alternatives. Drink fruit juices, herbal teas and water to keep yourself hydrated.
Reduce Refined Sugar Intake.
Overall, a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle help combat the negative side effects of stress. Refined sugar which is present in many manufactured foods gives you a temporary boost of energy. But after, you are bound to crash and it will lead you to be irate and tired.
Get Plenty of Sleep.
Stress affects your sleep. Lack of sleep makes you more prone to stress. It's a dangerous cycle that can only be avoided by getting plenty of sleep. The key is to maximize your relaxation before going to sleep. Make your bedroom the most comfortable, the safest place in your abode. Nothing in the room should cause triggers or send your brain whirring. Avoid the screen (TV, Phone, or Tablet) at least an hour before sleeping. Take a warm bath, read a calming book, or meditate.
Use Essential Oils that promote sleep and apply soothing ointments to calm your body.
Talk to Someone.
Surround yourself with supportive people who are ready to lend a shoulder and listening ear. Talking face to face with another person reduces stress.
If you feel that your stress is turning into anxiety, it's smart to consult a mental health provider. Through counselling, you can learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
Acceptance.
I say "Acceptance" instead of "Manage your Time" or "Prioritise your Task". Many of life's stressors are caused by our lack of acceptance. We pile up our 'To Do' list and create unrealistic expectations about what we can and cannot do.
We cannot do everything all at once. If you take a step back, you might find that you are wasting energy over matters you have no control over. Professor Cary Cooper, Occupational Health Expert at the University of Lancaster, says: 'If your company is going under and is making redundancies, for example, there's nothing you can do about it. 'In a situation like that, you need to focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job.'
