Over 75% of the people in our world today experience stress. A certain amount of stress is a normal part of our daily life. Small doses of stress help people meet deadlines, be prepared for presentations, be productive and arrive on time for important events. Stress is a normal response to situational pressures or demands and is a part of everyday life. However, prolonged or chronic stress experienced over a long period of time can become harmful, increasing the risks for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and others.
Have you ever been so pressurized to hit your daily target and goals that you just feel so overwhelmed? You then begin to feel guilty and beat yourself up for a target you couldn’t meet. In as much as it is very important to be deliberate and committed to your goals, you also need to take it easy on yourself. If you continually beat yourself up unnecessarily, it would eventually lead to anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
It’s very pertinent that we are able to manage and deal with stress in order to be mentally stable. Interestingly, there are numerous ways to handle and deal with stress.
Firstly, you have to discover your stress triggers and avoid them. You could substitute them with self care practices such as watching a movie, giving yourself a treat, taking a stroll etc. Feeling emotional and nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress. Take care of yourself. Eat healthy. Exercise. Get plenty of sleep and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.
Secondly, talk to someone you trust. You are not alone. Share how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, mentor or psychologist. It’s very important to recognize when you need more help. If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist or professional counselor.
You could also prioritize,organize and delegate your tasks. Schedule your activities appropriately and make them workable. Having a to-do list is highly recommended. This would enable you to create a balance, achieve your goals and stay mentally stable.
It’s our stress awareness month. Let’s keep spreading hope, love and coping strategies for stress.
Ps: How would you deal with stress this month, which step would you apply?
Let’s read from you in the comments section below.
