We all experience stress in one way or the other. Pressure from work, family issues, financial strains, hectic lifestyles, and environmental factors can have a toll on us, causing stress. However, the kind of stress we experience and the causes differ from person to person. An activity that causes stress to you may not be stressful for the other. Therefore, your endurance level and how the system reacts to pressure determine what is stressful to you.
Stress is not necessarily a bad thing, and it is there to force us to take breaks, pulse and reflect, and relax. However, it should be temporal and not constant. Constant, prolonged, and extreme stress can be a slow killer, as it eats you up physically and mentally. While you can’t eliminate stress, here are some ways to reduce it for healthy living.
Types of stress
Stress comes in different forms and types, including
Acute stress
Acute stress is very common and happens to everyone. It is caused by the reaction that occurs when the body encounters a sudden severe, or challenging situation. For example, when you escape an attack, an accident, or a potential injury situation, the fright you experience causes stress. You can also experience this kind of stress when enjoying something thrilling. Acute stress usually is not harmful.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress happens when you keep experiencing a high-prolonged level of stress. This kind of stress is very dangerous and can lead to other health conditions, including anxiety disorders, weak immune systems, depression, and high blood pressure.
Episodic acute stress
Episodic stress happens when acute stress becomes frequent. If you keep thinking about something or become anxious that a specific incident may happen, then this stress becomes recurring. For example, if you keep thinking that the current global economic difficulties may grow from bad to worse.
Causes of stress
• Chronic illness
• Abusive relationship
• Working in a toxic environment
• Encountering a disaster or a life-threatening accident
• Being under pressure from work or family-related issues
• Overwhelming responsibilities
• Facing abuses
Symptoms of stress
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Headaches, dizziness, aches, and pains
• High blood pressure
• Troubles with indigestion
• Low sexual drive
• Fatigue
• Fears
• Loss of appetite
How to reduce or manage stress
Since we can’t eliminate stress from our lives, the best way out is to manage it as it happens. It is best to know the type of stress you are prone to, its causes, and the best way to manage it. Effective stress management can help you avoid related diseases.
Exercising
Aside from putting you in shape, exercising or getting involved in physical activities is a great stress reliever. As you exercise, the body releases endorphins and other chemicals to relieve you of the pain and stress. Exercising also takes your mind away from the stressors and improves your mode.
However, you need to choose the right exercise regime depending on your age, needs, and endurance level. You can have gym workouts, go jogging, long walks, swimming, bikeing, or engaging in any physical activities. For intensive workouts, you can use supplements, including pre-workout flavors, to improve your endurance and performance level.
Healthy diet
Eating healthy is for your general well-being as it improves your immune system. Add lots of fruits and veggies to your meal. Choose whole grains over polished foods and take in a lot of water.
Do away with alcohol and unhealthy lifestyle
Some people find solace in alcohol and engage in unhealthy lifestyles when battling with stress. However, such activities aggravate the situation in the long term and damage your health. If possible, cut too much alcohol intake, smoking, and other drug use. It is better to find lasting solutions to the problem than to rely on things that make you feel good only for a short time.
Talk to others
Many people isolate themselves when dealing with stress and other life difficulties. But remember that loneliness kills, and a problem shared is half solved. Reach out to your family and friend or any trusted person you can share your problem with. Be open to them, and their pieces of advice, connection, and company can help you overcome the situation.
Meditation
Meditation helps you focus your mind on positive developments or activities. It clears your mind from all other side issues troubling you and causing stress. Meditation calms you down, gives you a peaceful mind, and improves your physical and emotional well-being.
Good sleep
Sleeping is a perfect time for the body to rejuvenate and restore lost energies. When dealing with high-level stress, the body is deprived of quality and long sleep for normal biological processes to take place. This turns to affect your mood, cognition, and energy level, among others. So, try as much as possible to have a quality sleep time devoid of any interruption. A piece of good soothing music can help the process.
Take home
Stress is inevitable and only manageable. The level of seriousness you attach to its management will determine your success story. Whatever method you choose, consistency and determination are key to reducing your stress level for healthy living.
