Stress Management is the need of the hour as people are prone to different kinds of Stress in the modern world. Stress is the reaction of the mind and body to any event that brings about a change. When we are compelled to do something, the body or mind experiences a kind of discomfort or tension called Stress.
Types of Stresses
- Positive Stress or Eustress
- Negative Stress or Distress
Mild Stress
- Acts as a motivating factor.
- Brings out all the hidden talents and full potential.
- Helps to accomplish goals in life.
Stress Management: Three heads
It can be studied under three heads. They are:
- Causes factors of stress.
- Symptoms of Stress
- Methods of coping with stress
Causes of Stress
- Family disharmony – conflict at home, poor communication, distrust
- Financial Problems – debts
- Over Work
- Boredom
- Physical illness or injury – diabetes, blood pressure, etc. – not under the control
- Irritants like heat, crowded places, noise, etc.
- Negative feelings like resentment, frustration, anxiety, etc.
- A sudden disruption in lifestyle – shifting residence to a new city, living without family members, etc.
- Inability to conform to social pressures like requests from family members.
- Insomnia
- Fear perceived threat like speaking before a crowd.
Symptoms of Stress
Physical Symptoms:
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Tension headache
- Sleeplessness
- Digestive problems, constipation, loose motion, hyperactivity
- Nervousness or jitteriness
- Quick shallow breathing
- Pain in the back and neck
- Excessive fatigue
- Rise in blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
Psychological Symptoms:
- Strained relationships with people
- Confusion leading to difficulty in taking a decision
- Excessive Anxiety
- Depression and feelings of loneliness
- The feeling of insecurity and helplessness
- Lack of concentration and starvation of ideas
- Inclination to abuse alcohol/drugs
Coping Mechanisms for Stress
Coping Mechanism for Stress due to poor health
- Take food rich in Vitamin C to build up resistance.
- Reduce salt and sugar in food.
- Reduce intake of tea and coffee.
- Avoid Pain-killers.
- Avoid substance abuse
- Avoid smoking
- Sleep as much as required
- Physical exercise
- Practice relaxation techniques
Coping Mechanisms for Stress due to Financial Problems
- Share with someone and get guidance
- Give importance to savings
- Budgeting the income and expenditure
- Systematic and planned life
Coping Mechanisms for problems at the workplace
- Take responsibility and work with enthusiasm.
- Make efforts to improve relationships with colleagues and superiors
- Share with someone you trust
- Manage time effectively
- Develop recreational activities to break the monotony of life.
Coping Mechanisms for problems in Interpersonal relationship
- Share problems with someone caring and trustworthy.
- Develop assertive skills
- Prioritize your needs
- Change attitude towards the stressor
- Minimize your expectations from others
- Develop faith in the higher power
Stress – See it positively. It is helpful for your development.
To know more about the topic and for counselling-related inquiries contact the author Psy. T. T. Joseph, Director – Krupa School of Counselling and Psychotherapy Kannur & Wayanad at +91-9400751874.
