How do you deal with stress? Some people go for a long walk, while others take solace in talking over a stressful situation with friends. Stress is all around us and no matter how hard we try, there will always be stressful events that find their way into our lives. It’s how we manage stress that determines whether it will be a minor nuisance or a major disorder. Here’s what you need to know about stress and
management techniques you can use to tame it. Why Do I Get Stressed? The body is pre-wired to react to a stressful situation or event by preparing for danger. If you are about to be hit by a car, your body will gear up for action, and subconsciously prepare you to deal with danger. Emotional stress, such as loss of a loved one, often results in same physical response. Stress can build up if there is no outlet to alleviate it.
Stress Management Techniques and Lifestyle Changes
Stress interferes with body's systems, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Fresh air, and eating slow regular raw meals, and taking nutritional supplements can help to restore balance to your body. Here are some additional lifestyle changes that can help you manage stress:
Coping Skills: Relieving stress may be as simple as organizing your time differently, getting more sleep at night, or talking over your problems with a close friend or family member.
Dietary Changes: It can be so difficult to eat a healthy diet when your thoughts are consumed by a stressful situation. But eating foods that are good for you will actually help you stay focused, strong, and healthy through stress. Unhealthy foods can add to digestive disorders, and sleep disturbances that can aggravate stress. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages that can cause jitteriness, and agitation, and contribute to symptoms of stress.
Get Connected: Develop and strengthen your social network so that you will have people to turn to in times of stress. Simply talking about your problems can go a long way to reducing stress they cause. You may also wish to consider joining a support group of your peers to help you manage stressful situations.
Take A Break: Sometimes, managing stress is as simple as learning to say "no." As much as you would like to, its simply not possible for you to attend and assist with every event, project, and activity. If you are particularly stressed out, try to reduce your work or activity load a little bit, or even take a relaxing vacation, until situation settles down.
