Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism MenteeStress according to World Health Organisation (WHO), is any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain on the human system.
A 2017 Gallup survey found that 80 per cent of adults frequently experience stress in their daily lives.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelCommon sources of anxiety include money, school, work, relationships or major changes like marriages, divorces and deaths.
“Stress can be normal,” says Samuel Wedes, a psychiatrist and Medical Director of In-patient Behavioral Health at St Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital in Livonia, Michigan. “For a lot of people, it can be a motivator to help them work harder or succeed further with their goals,” he added.
In some situations, your body’s stress response can be life-saving; other times, however, it can wreak mental and physical havoc, causing head and body aches, fatigue, restlessness, irritability and in the worst case, depression and other health challenges that lead to death. According to Dr Wedes, stress has in some cases, been linked to an increased likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
Never allow your stress to go unchecked, rather make use of these scientifically proven tips.
1. More Physical Movements
Don’t underestimate movement, which can help keep stress under control. Not only does physical activity shift your focus away from your stressors, but it also tells your body to release feel-good chemicals, known as endorphins.
Most adults should aim to get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity a week, says the US Department of Health and Human Services. Strive for 30 minutes each day—on most days. If you don’t have the time or stamina for a lengthier workout, do what you can.
However, It’s important to be consistent, so make physical activity one of your daily activities. Choose an activity you love, like walking, biking or swimming, and enlist the help of a friend to keep you on track. Also, ensure you notify your doctor before you embark on any physical activity if you have any health challenges.
2. Take A Time Out
We can’t always change our surroundings, but we can often escape them—at least temporarily. By giving yourself a timeout—as an adult, it’s not so bad! Try clearing your mind by taking a walk, reading a book, stretching or taking a few deep breaths.
You can engage your senses—sight, smell, sound, taste and touch—which might also help relieve tension. It takes just a few minutes and can be done almost anywhere, like the car, at your work desk or in the comfort of your home. This can be done by looking at a family photo.
Lighting a scented candle; sipping a cup of hot tea or eating a piece of your favourite snack.
Listening to soothing music or your favourite song.
Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket or giving yourself a quick hand massage.
Some senses might be more helpful to you than others, and with practice, you can figure out which sensory activities work best for you.
3. Invest In A Planner Or Journal
Emotions can be overwhelming. For many of us, it can be tough and confusing to talk about them. Writing in a journal can be a healthy outlet to express your feelings and ease stress. If you’re not sure what’s stressing you out, journaling can also help you identify the cause. Then you can begin working towards a solution.
To create a worry journal, make time to write an entry every day. Keep your notebook and pen in a convenient place, so you won’t forget. Write freely—without scrutinising your thoughts or feelings—and don’t worry about spelling mistakes. Once you write down your worries, list potential resolutions.
If money is stressing you out, make time to create a budget.
If you’re worried about your workload, schedule a meeting to discuss priorities with your boss.
If you’re struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, gather the names and phone numbers of therapists in your area and make calls the next day.
If a busy schedule stresses you out, you can even include your daily to-dos beside your journal entry.
Your cell phone can also help you pinpoint what’s stressing you out.
4. Set A Sleep Schedule
Sleep helps restore the body; it replenishes energy levels, gives your heart and vascular system a break and keeps your brain sharp. The connection between sleep and stress is two-fold: Too little sleep can raise stress levels and excess stress can make falling and staying asleep a challenge.
Most adults require about seven to nine hours of sleep a night, but the reality is that few keep to that.
There are several tricks you can try to get more shut-eye. Switch off electronics before bedtime, avoid caffeine at night and make your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Creating a sleep schedule can also help improve your sleep (reduce stress). Try it by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same hour each morning, even on weekends.
5. Get Into Yoga
Research suggests that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s not surprising since the practice involves stress-relieving techniques, like movement, meditation and deep breathing.
You don’t have to join a gym or invest in expensive classes to get the benefits. Many studios offer free classes for first-timers. Speak with the instructor before class about any limitations or concerns. Free online classes are also available and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Community organisations might also offer group classes.
You can release stress by wearing clothes that let you move freely.
Asking questions if you’re unsure about a pose.
Stopping if you feel pain or fatigue.
Keeping an open mind.
Yoga is safe for most people, but pregnant women and those with certain conditions, including osteoporosis, hypertension, glaucoma or herniated disks should speak with a healthcare provider before getting started.
If yoga isn’t for you, don’t stress over it, try another relaxing activity.
6. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
This stress-busting technique is simple and can be done almost anywhere. “It can help people centre themselves and take the focus away from the stress,” Wedes stated.
Start by squeezing and releasing the muscles in your feet and toes, before working your way through each muscle group in your body. “Alternatively tense and relax each of the muscle groups of the body,” he noted.
Keep in mind that this technique, like meditation, might not work right away. The more frequently you practice, the better your relaxation skills will be. Wedes encourage his people to practice progressive muscle relaxation even when they’re not particularly anxious.
7. Meditate
You don’t have to be regular at the yoga studio to utilize meditation and other relaxation techniques. There are other simple ways to get started on your own, and plenty of free online tutorials and phone apps to help you along the way.
There are different types of meditation. Here are a few examples:
Mindfulness meditation involves awareness and acceptance. Sit quietly and comfortably and let thoughts, emotions and sensations pass without judgement.
Mantra meditation is the repetition of soothing words or phrases, like “peace,” “love” or “awareness.”
Guided meditation involves visualising yourself in a relaxing environment, like a beach or cottage. Sounds, sights and smells can help with visualisation.
Even the individual elements of meditation, like deep breathing, sitting comfortably in a quiet space and thinking about something you’re grateful for, can help ease stress.
Remember: There’s no “right” way to practice meditation.
8. Volunteer In Your Community
Volunteering can help improve mental health and ease feelings of stress, according to a BMC Public Health study. Researchers are still learning about what makes giving back beneficial, but there are some theories. Volunteering is one way to connect with others and create a support network, which has been linked to lower levels of stress.
This can be achieved by spending time at a local animal shelter. Playing with cats and dogs can elevate serotonin and dopamine, hormones that help you relax.
Donating food to the less privileged; serving meals at a soup kitchen once in a while; coaching a youth sports team were all identified as ways for volunteering.
9. Learn To Say “No”
It never feels good to disappoint the people closest to you, but sometimes, taking care of your mental well-being is more important than adding another commitment to your schedule. Mitigating stress may be as simple as saying “no,” and it’s not as selfish as it might sound.
When considering whether or not you can take on another’s responsibility, keep these questions in mind:
Will saying “yes” prevent me from doing activities I enjoy or trying new things?
Will saying “yes” take my attention away from more important commitments?
Will saying “no” be better for my stress levels?
If your answer to any of these is a resounding “yes,” politely, but assertively, decline the offer but try your best to be brief and honest. Never feel obligated to donate your time simply because someone else is giving theirs. They may have fewer obligations or might be better able to handle more tasks.
10. Meet With A Friend
Simple companionship can be quite powerful. “It’s so important to be able to talk to people and vent when you’re having stress,” says Wedes.
Friends can help you manage stress, encourage healthy habits and can even help you live longer. Those closest to you might also notice subtle changes in your behaviour, like fatigue, jitters and irritability, which could be signs of unhealthy stress.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, making plans with a friend may not seem like a priority, so instead plan to see your pal or schedule a phone chat at the same time each week. Scheduling these get-togethers helps give them primacy.
However, If these techniques don’t work for you and you find that stress is interfering with daily activities, talk to your healthcare provider or licensed therapist.
“There are lots of professional resources out there, like psychotherapies, aimed at reducing stress, as well as medications (if necessary) that can help people deal with stress more effectively,” says Wedes.
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