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chanroeun.wordpress.com
Feeling
like there are too many pressures and demands on you? Losing sleep
worrying about tests and schoolwork? Eating on the run because your
schedule is just too busy? You’re not alone. Everyone experiences
stress at times - adults, teens, and even kids. But there are things
you can do to minimize stress and manage the stress that’s unavoidable.
What
Is Stress?
Stress
is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events.
It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet
a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened
alertness. Stress is the body’s reaction to a change that requires a physical,
mental or emotional adjustment or response.
Distress
is a negative stress response. It occurs when stress continues without
relief. Distress disturbs the body’s internal balance causing physical
and emotional symptoms: headache, elevated blood pressure, chest
pain, insomnia, depression, panic attack and anxiety.
Stress
is a part of life. Knowing ways to manage stress can be beneficial.
1.
Make Time to Relax.
Find
ways of relaxing. Learn how to meditate or use relaxation exercises.
Listen to soothing music. Take a bath. Do whatever helps you relax.
If needed learn stress management or biofeedback techniques from
healthcare professionals, as healthy ways to manage stress.
2.
Maintain a Normal Routine.
As
much as possible, try to stick to a normal daily routine. Limit
additional responsibilities. Learn to say “No.”
3.
Eat a healthy Diet.
Focus
on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoid excessive sugar, fatty
foods and caffeine. Use alcohol in moderation and don’t try and
self-medicate which can make the distress worse.
4.
Include Exercise as Part of Your Day.
Participating
in some kind of moderate exercise activity for at least 30 minutes
on most days helps relieve stress, boost energy levels, aid sleep
and improve mood. Exercise is also good for the heart, lungs and
mind. Activities include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics,
hiking
5.
Keep a Positive Attitude.
Holding
positive thoughts, rather than succumbing to a negative one can
help in maintaining a positive attitude. Think positively about
yourself. Surrounding yourself with positive and inspiring people
can help elevate your mood.
6.
Participate in Activities You Enjoy.
Make
time for hobbies and other interests. Read a good book. Garden.
Knit. Be part of a sports team. Keep a journal. Work on Crafts.
Volunteer your services. Assist someone in need.
7.
Get Enough Sleep.
Getting
7 to 8 hours of sleep a night will make it easier to cope with stress
and distress. A well-rested person is more alert and quick thinking
and less irritable, grouchy and tense.
8.
Talk with a Trusted Person.
Talking
with someone about intense feelings when distressed can be helpful.
Share feelings with a trusted friend, family member, healthcare
professional or clergy. Sharing the distress helps to lessen the
feelings of distress. Some find that participating in a support
group with others who have experienced similar situations or events
can also be helpful in easing distress.
9.
Learn to Adapt Instead of Control.
Accept
that there will be situations, events and people throughout life
that you are unable to control. Learning to be flexible, to roll
with the punches and ride the waves can help in reducing stress.
10.
Remember to Laugh.
Laughter
is one of the best medicines; it releases chemicals into the brain
that promote relaxation. People who are able to find humor in life
and are happier tend to be more productive live longer and have
less physical problems. Maybe a good laugh a day will help keep
the stressors away.
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