Tips on stress management

By Dr. Chinda

06:52:00

Sunday, 29 May 2016

In psychology, stress is defined as a physical or psychological stimulus such as very high heat, public criticism, or another noxious agent or experience which, when impinging upon certain individuals, produces psychological strain or disequilibrium.

“We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if
we carry yesterday’s burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”
– John Newton

POWERFUL GUIDE TO STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress can make the individual more susceptible to physical illnesses like the common cold. Stressful events, such as job changes, may result in insomnia (difficulty sleeping), impaired sleeping, and health complaints. Research indicates the type of stressor and individual characteristics such as age and physical well-being before the onset of the stressor can combine to determine the effect of stress on an individual.

I read a story sometimes ago, about a man who always felt that without him, the company will not run successfully. His family asked him to rest a bit, he refused. One day, he slumped and died. One the day he was buried, a new person was appointed to take his place. So who said you are the only one that can do that job?

Stress triggers the Fight or Flight response in the body. It increases the level of hormones that are usually activated in emergency conditions (they are not supposed to be there for long), causing the body to be under the influence of these hormones (e.g. cortisol) for a very long time. The primary function of cortisol is to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system and aid in fat and protein metabolism. This could lead to damages to the body organs if it remains there for too long.   

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”
– Sydney J. Harris

What are the dangers or signs of excessive stress to the body?

·       Memory problems

·       Inability to concentrate

·       Poor judgment

·       Pessimistic approach or thoughts

·       Anxious or racing thoughts

·       Constant worrying

·       Moodiness

·       Irritability or short temper

·       Agitation, inability to relax

·       Feeling overwhelmed

·       Sense of loneliness and isolation

·       Depression or general unhappiness Aches and pains

·       Diarrhea or constipation

·       Increased frequency of urination

·       Indigestion

·       Changes in blood glucose

·       Nausea, dizziness

·       Chest pain, rapid heartbeat

·       Loss of sex drive

·       Frequent colds

·       Irregular periods.

·       Eating more or less

·       Sleeping too much or too little

·       Isolating oneself from others

·       Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities

·       Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax

·       Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Time management is the key to reducing stress. Manage your time properly, and 24 hours will be more than enough for you. There are things you shouldn’t spend your time doing; identify them and you are on your way to living a healthy life. The most stressed individuals are not always the richest.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
– William James

Everybody has a different threshold for stress. Some people withdraw; some people experience anxiety; some become angry. Once you know how you feel what stressed, you will better understand how to manage stress.

“It is not stress that kills us, but it is our reaction to it.”
– Hans Selye

I leave you with this; “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
– Ovid

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Posted by Dr. Chinda on Sunday, 29 May 2016