Stress is a worried or nervous feeling that stops you relaxing, caused, for example, by pressure at work or financial or personal problems. Stress is a common problem that affects almost all of us at some point in our lives. Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood. These chemicals give people more energy and strength, which can be a good thing if their stress is caused by physical danger. But this can also be a bad thing, if their stress is in response to something emotional and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength. This will discuss different causes of stress, how stress affects you, the difference between ‘good’ or ‘positive’ stress and ‘bad’ or ‘negative’ stress, and some common facts about how stress affects people today.
How to lead a stress free life
“If you ask what the single most important key to longevity is, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.”
– George F. Burns-
What is stress?
Stress is a worried or nervous feeling that stops you relaxing, caused, for example, by pressure at work or financial or personal problems. Stress is a common problem that affects almost all of us at some point in our lives. Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood. These chemicals give people more energy and strength, which can be a good thing if their stress is caused by physical danger. But this can also be a bad thing, if their stress is in response to something emotional and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength. This will discuss different causes of stress, how stress affects you, the difference between ‘good’ or ‘positive’ stress and ‘bad’ or ‘negative’ stress, and some common facts about how stress affects people today.
What Causes Stress?
Many different things can cause stress from physical (such as fear of something dangerous) to emotional (such as worry over your family or job.). Identifying what may be causing you stress is often the first step in learning how to better deal with your stress.
How Does Stress Affects You?
Stress can affect both your body and your mind. People under large amounts of stress can become tired, sick, and unable to concentrate or think clearly. Sometimes, they even suffer mental breakdowns.
Simple tips on reducing stress:
1. Let go of the need to feel in control.
A lot of our stress comes from feeling the need to be in control of events that are sometimes out of our control. Let go of the need to be in control all the time. This will take so much unnecessary stress out of your life.
2. Go for a walk.
If you feel you are stressed out, go for a walk out in nature. This will help clear your mind and reconnect with yourself.
3. Work on letting go of attachments to things.
For so many of us, stress is the result of having attachments to things. A lot of times these things are material objects, e.g., if you spill something on your new outfit, let it go! Is a trip to the dry cleaners really worth killing brain cells over?
4. Avoid getting into arguments.
Why get into an argument if it’s going to stress you out all day? Avoid getting in arguments if you can. This one tip will reduce so much unnecessary stress in your life.
5. Take a different route to work with less traffic.
Who cares if it takes a few minutes longer? For many of us traffic equals stress, so if adding a few extra minutes to your commute means less stress then find a new route to work!
6. Find humor in everything.
Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” If you find yourself in a stressful situation, there is always a way to find some type of humor in it.
7. Cultivate a positive attitude.
A positive attitude will not only make you happier, but it also help you deal with stressful events.
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
8. Smile.
If you find yourself getting stressed out over something just smile! It will help you to change your perspective on the event, and become happier!
9. Listen to music.
Find some type of music you like that helps you relax. Just sit back, tune in, and relax!
10. Practice meditation.
Countless studies have shown meditation to be one of the greatest tools to combat stress. Find some time everyday to do just a minute of meditation. You’ll become happier, more focused, and you’ll also help prevent health future problems that are brought on by stress.
11. Just Breathe
Try to control your own heart beat when you are nervous and stressed. Breath as slow as you can. You can try this simple breathing exercise when you feel you are stressed:
I. 5 seconds of inhale
II. 3 seconds of holding your breath
III. 8 seconds of exhale
Cheong Kar Hui
Psychology Counselor
Pantai Hospital Ampang
(source : www.lifestressrelease.com, www.mindbodygreen.com)
