A to Z about Managing STRESS

Overview of STRESS

In our daily life, everybody faces different challenges and obstacles, and sometimes the pressure is hard to handle. When we feel overwhelmed or unsure how to meet the demands placed on us, we experience stress.

Stress in itself is not bad, in fact, we can’t live without it. It can give you the push you need, motivating you to do your best and to stay focused and alert. However, when the going gets too tough and life’s demands exceed your ability to cope, stress becomes a threat to both your physical and emotional well-being.

What is STRESS?

• It is a state of mind which distorts comfortable way of living
• A state of DIS – EASE
• Distress due to any kind of burden, pressure or hardship
• Any condition that gives rise to worry, tension & frustration

How does STRESS arise?

Stress arises from a transaction between an individual and the environment when the individual perceives the stimuli as:

• Damaging
• Threatening
• Challenging

Therefore, it arises when Individual DEMAND is more than the available RESOURCES

Effects of STRESS

The effects of stress can be categorised as:

The summary of these effects is that STRESS leads to decreased Productivity, Instability of mind and Decreased enjoyment

Tackling STRESS

Different people resort to different ways to tackle stress including smoking, drinking, gambling and use of tranquilizers but these ways will only aggravate the situation.

Hence to tackle stress, kindly follow the ABC….Z approach:

A – Always take time for yourself, at least 30 minutes per day.

B – Be aware of your own stress meter: Know when to step back and cool down.

C – Concentrate on controlling your own situation, without controlling everybody else.

D – Daily exercise will burn off the stress chemicals.

E – Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies, bread and water; give your body the best for it to perform at its best.

F – Forgive others, don’t hold grudges and be tolerant — not everyone is as capable as you..

G – Gain perspective on things, how important is the issue?

H – Hugs, kisses and laughter: Have fun and don’t be afraid to share your feelings with others.

I – Identify stressors and plan to deal with them better next time.

J – Judge your own performance realistically; don’t set goals out of your own reach.

K – Keep a positive attitude, your outlook will influence outcomes and the way others treat you.

L – Limit alcohol, drugs and other stimulants, they affect your perception and behaviour

M – Manage money well, seek advice and save at least 10 per cent of what you earn.

N – No is a word you need to learn to use without feeling guilty.

O – Outdoor activities by yourself, or with friends and family, can be a great way to relax….

P – Play your favourite music rather than watching television.

Q – Quit smoking: It is stressing your body daily, not to mention killing you too.

R – Relationships: Nurture and enjoy them, learn to listen more and talk less…..

S – Sleep well, with a firm mattress and a supportive pillow; don’t overheat yourself and allow plenty of ventilation.

T – Treat yourself once a week with a massage, dinner out, the movies: Moderation is the key.

U – Understand things from the other person’s point of view……

V – Verify information from the source before exploding.

W – Worry less, it really does not get things completed better or quicker.

X – Xpress: Make a regular retreat to your favourite space, make holidays part of your yearly plan and budget…….

Y – Yearly goal setting: Plan what you want to achieve based on your priorities in your career, relationships, etc.

Z – Zest for life: Each day is a gift, smile and be thankful that you are a part of the bigger picture……..

Are you stressed? Kindly confirm your status with recommendations by clicking the STRESS CALCULATOR