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Stress is our body’s way of reacting to any condition which it deems as threatening by activating the sympathetic nervous system which releases an abundance of stress hormones. Stress within the comfort zone is not harmful as it can push us to meet our challenges.

But, when stress becomes overwhelming we become vulnerable to a host of ailments which may include raising of our blood pressure, increased risk of a stroke or a heart attack, a suppressed immune system and a whole host of mental and emotional disorders. It is for these very reasons that we need to avoid and learn how to manage stress.

Stress management involves taking control of your life and making positive lifestyle changes in your diet and routine and changes in your attitude, thoughts and the way you handle problems.

• Managing Stress with Physical Activity

The effects of stress can be prevented with regular physical activity involving both your arms and your legs, which can be anything –going to the gym, jogging, swimming, cycling, tai chi or aerobic exercises. These induce the release of endorphins which makes us feel good. Exercise can also help us to take our minds off our day-to-day worries and negative thoughts.

Take a short time off in a stressful situation and go for a walk or a run or even a dance session and you will realize how well you have been able to take care of the situation without getting stressed.

• Have Friends to Help You Cope with Stress

One of the most efficient ways to deal with stress is to go out and meet people who make you laugh and feel good. Nothing can calm your nervous system more than talking to another person who understands your situation and reassures you. Reach out to your family members, friends and colleagues who are ready to listen to you. This will help you to calm down and release hormones that will reduce your stress. The lonelier you are the more are the chances of your health being affected by stress.

• Control Your Lifestyle
  • Diet: Take care of your diet. A healthy body has a better chance of managing stress without becoming prey to the host of diseases arising due to stress. Start your day with a good breakfast and continue your day with nutritious meals throughout.
  • Avoid alcohol and cigarettes: A stressful event may lead you resorting to alcohol, cigarettes or even drugs but this temporary respite is not enough to deal with stress. Instead of turning to temporary solutions, meet your problems head on.
  • Reduce Sugar and Caffeine: Caffeinated drinks provide you a temporary “high” ending with a “crash” in your energy and also your mood. Reduce artificially flavored drinks like chocolate, soft drinks and also coffee to sleep better and relax better.
  • Sleep enough: If you are missing out on your normal 8 hours of sleep, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to even the slightest problem which comes your way and making you easily irritant and upset. Give your body enough rest, and it will be able to think rationally and manage any stressful situation, however bad it may be.

• Learn Relaxation Techniques

Stressful events flood our body with chemicals to prepare us to face the situation. Learn to counteract stress by learning relaxation techniques, which helps us to bring our mind out of stress into a state of mental equilibrium. Set aside 20 – 30 minutes each day for your relaxation practice.

• Deep breathing meditation: One of the powerful relaxing method is by deep breathing which curbs your stress levels. Combine it with aromatherapy and light music for total relaxation.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation is another way of dealing with stress. Practice it along with the deep breathing technique for added relief from stress.
• Yoga: Practice yoga regularly to strengthen your response to relaxation in everyday life. Yoga, which involves deep breathing along with a series of poses involving both movement of the body and the body being stationary, also increases flexibility, balance and stamina.
• Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a series of slow body movements and is practiced to calm the mind and reduce stress by conditioning the body.
• Body scan meditation: You can also practice body scan meditation, which involves focusing on the sensations in each part of your body one at a time and helping it to relax.
• Mindful meditation: Mindful meditation has been used for long to fight anxiety, stress, depression and other disorders arising out of any trauma. 

Fitting your daily routine with these activities will help you to be prepared for any unforeseen event and deal with it effectively. Click here for more stress management techniques.