avoid stress essay

How to Beat Stress? Essay

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Nowadays, people have to live with stress every day due to all that chaos happening around and the inability to cope with a number of social things and concerns observed every day. Being involved in numerous activities and the necessity to meet expectations and perform duties, people cherish a dream to have at least one day without stress. Stress seems to follow us everywhere and every minute, so that it is not always possible for people to find the time and think of the ways to beat stress and live quietly with no more negative vibes.

According to the American Psychological Association, about 63% of people experience stress because of the necessity to think of the “future of our nation,” 62% of people are bothered with money, and 61% of Americans are challenged by work issues (1). Scholle claims that “the over-activation of our stress hormones has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks, lower immunity, depression, anxiety, and more.” So obviously, stress is not the issue to be ignored nowadays.

People must understand that stress is dangerous for them, and it is not enough to avoid it. It is necessary to be ready to fight stress and all possible stressors. In this essay, I will talk about why people and students, in particular, experience stress, how to beat stress and improve the quality of life, and what the benefits of having a relaxing life with no stress are.

Millions of stressors are around us, including home, family relationships, society, finance, or unstable economic and political situations. When it comes to students, it is necessary to add such causes as exams, obligations to meet deadlines, and thoughts about their future. Numerous unexpected changes usually wait for people as soon as they graduate, and not all students are actually ready for new living standards.

In fact, stress may be caused by millions of things that are hard to predict and identify. Sometimes, students have to deal with unexpected deaths, divorces, or the necessity to make serious financial decisions. Uncertainty and the lack of confidence challenge people a lot due to the inability to predict the results and improve the outcomes. People can face all different types of situations that make them fall into a zone of nothing but stress. Therefore, instead of searching for some new methods to predict or avoid stress, it is better to think of the ways how to reduce the level of stress or to beat it for good.

Change is a good solution in many situations. Just thinking about ways to deal with stress on our daily basis is simply going to be helpful to kill out stress unknowingly. The idea of making time to beat stress, feel better about the things around, and let this out of our thoughts are the first steps to promote a difference. As soon as this stage is over, a person is able to notice how effective such therapy can be and how proud and relieved people may be.

Though some people admit that change is one of the causes of stress, it is necessary to remember that changing something is a solution to many stressful situations. People should not wait when everything can be cleared up. They have to do something or, at least, consider all their options for doing something. Change is something people should not be afraid of, but make use of any time they can.

In fact, there are many well-known ways and studies in terms of which stress reduction and management are possible. For example, healthy eating is proved to be a helpful step. In her research, Scholle addresses Dr. Mark Hyman, who said that “eating whole, real foods restores balance and reduces the effects of stress on your body.” Many people might not pay attention to the fact that healthy eating can help to deal with stress in different ways. However, as soon as several changes in eating habits occur, stress reduction can be noted as a pleasant outcome.

Another method with the help of which it is possible to reduce stress is dancing. People do it for fun and enjoy their time at parties or at home. Still, recent studies demonstrate that dancing can kill stress and make us feel fresh and better, and it is enough to dance about five minutes to forget about stress (Scholle). Even if a person does not feel like dancing, it is possible to try this method and turn on music. The solution can come in a short period of time, and certain improvements can be observed.

Also, sleeping enough and very well can reduce stress. The investigations of Alyssa Sparacino about the benefits of sleep underline the importance of rest for the appropriate mood and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. She uses the investigations of a director of sleep medicine, Dr. Raymodne, who explains that “many things that we take for granted are affected by sleep… if you sleep better, you can certainly live better” (Sparacino). Therefore, as one of the important lessons in human intentions to deal with sleep is the attention to the work of our sleeping system. It is necessary to make sure that we get enough sleep every night and put in mind that sleeping in the daylight instead of the night does not count as a healthy sleeping.

Students, as well as other people who are exposed to stress, should remember the importance of relaxation as one of the main fighters against stress in a magnificent way. Looking up for millions of ideas on how to relax your body and soul every day, people should consider their personal preferences and interests. Few exercises can be enough to make relaxation possible, and one thing you can do is to get yourself time outside the world.

This time is the period when a person may contact nobody, just closing the eyes and the mind, thinking of nothing, and taking a deep breath in and out for five minutes only. Yoga is one of the possible methods of relaxation that is available to all people. Some yoga classes can be found online. People may also address experts and professional trainers to take yoga classes in specialized places. Relaxation is possible when people try to walk regularly. Healthy and calm walking every day only for 3o minutes can help people forget about stress and improve their quality of life.

One of the most unexpected ways for many people to deal with stress is crying. People might think that it is something ridiculous and has no relation to the reduction of stress. Otherwise, it has a big effect on stress reduction. Delena Chew uses the investigations of Dr. Sinatra, who said that “crying is one of the most cleansing experiences you can go through.” Regarding the scientific aspect, crying is a possibility to release neurochemicals with the help of which people can reach a calm state (Chew).

Simply speaking, crying will help to clean out your soul and your mind. Deep crying will open the chest and the diaphragm to produce more energy. So be free to let your tears out every time you felt like it. There is nothing wrong with crying and sobbing. It is a good and healthy practice for many people.

If people are interested in calm and regular activities, reading can be used as an option. Reading good books about something you want to achieve is a great job. There are many classic literature sources, as well as modern journals and magazines, to pay attention to. Sometimes, it is enough to grab a book about beating stress and learn something from it. Today, many movies based on books are available to people. This option can also be put on the list of methods to deal with stress.

There are plenty of ways to beat stress if a person makes a strong decision about the necessity to find a solution to this problem. “The wear and tear on the body from lots of stress changes the nervous system,” said Bruce McEwen, a neuroscientist at Rockefeller University in New York (“Studies Show Stress”). Obviously, even in early life, stress, like in the womb, can affect people badly. Therefore, pregnant women are always advised to relax and happy during their pregnancy and avoid stress by any possible means.

Many studies prove how a neonate can be shaped and influenced by the emotions experienced by a mother during pregnancy. Emotional problems, difficulties in learning and remembering, and hyperactivity disorders are the possible outcomes of stress in such situations (Glover 27). Stress can have different, unexpected roots. Many young people believe that they have enough power and opportunities to deal with stress and make correct decisions. Still, though self-confidence is a good quality in dealing with stress, credible guidelines and the suggestions of medical workers and other experts can contribute to the best solution.

Stress reduction is the goal millions of people establish every day despite their age, gender, race, geographical location, occupation, or social status. Stress is a global problem that does not have one simple solution. The idea of beating stress is a great achievement. However, not all people are ready to complete this task. Stressors may vary, and people should understand that help can be found anywhere. The only task is to recognize such a source of help and use it properly.

The benefits of life without stress are numerous. People can make free and properly weighted decisions. Productivity and creativity can be increased. Communication and cooperation between different groups of people may be improved. Finally, the percentage offered by the American Psychological Association about the reasons for stress and their outcomes can be reduced.

In general, stress management is a significant activity for people to be involved in. Stress may negatively influence human health, change the work of mental processes, promote wrong behaviors, and support harmful emotions. Stress occurs as soon as a person is not able to meet needs or find appropriate resources. It is a normal thing in human life. Therefore, instead of trying to live properly and avoid stress, people can learn how to deal with stressful situations and assist each other in meeting similar goals. Life without stress is hard to imagine. However, it is easy to manage stress and take the steps with the help of which human potential can be discovered and used in many different ways.

Works Cited

American Psychological Association. Stress in America: The State of Our Nation . 2017. Web.

Chew, Delena. “ 7 Tips for Fighting Stress. ” Wealth Mastery . 2013. Web.

Glover, Vivette. “Maternal Depression, Anxiety, and Stress during Pregnancy and Child Outcome: What Needs to Be Done.” Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, vol. 28, no. 1, 2014, pp. 25-35.

Scholle, Anne. “ 5 Ways to Relieve Stress. ” The Center for Mind-Body Medicine . 2015. Web.

Sparacino, Alyssa. “ 11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep. ” Health . 2013. Web.

“ Studies Show Stress Can Reshape the Brain. ” The Guardian . 2008. Web.

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Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress

While it may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress at work and home, there are steps you can take to relieve the pressure and regain control.

The importance of managing stress

If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think.

Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the  resilience  to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. But stress management is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. The following stress management tips can help you do that.

Tip 1: Identify the sources of stress in your life

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. While it’s easy to identify major stressors such as changing jobs, moving, or going through a divorce, pinpointing the sources of chronic stress can be more complicated. It’s all too easy to overlook how your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to your everyday stress levels.

Sure, you may know that you’re constantly worried about work deadlines, but maybe it’s your procrastination, rather than the actual job demands, that is causing the stress.

To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:

• Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?
• Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”)?
• Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.

Start a stress journal

A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them. Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal or use a stress tracker on your phone. Keeping a daily log will enable you to see patterns and common themes. Write down:

• What caused your stress (make a guess if you’re unsure).
• How you felt, both physically and emotionally.
• How you acted in response.
• What you did to make yourself feel better.

Tip 2: Practice the 4 A’s of stress management

While stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times: your commute to work, a meeting with your boss, or family gatherings, for example. When handling such predictable stressors, you can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose in any given scenario, it’s helpful to think of the four A’s: avoid, alter, adapt, or accept.

Tip 3: Get moving

When you’re stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising. But  physical activity  is a huge stress reliever—and you don’t have to be an athlete or spend hours in a gym to experience the benefits. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good, and it can also serve as a valuable distraction from your daily worries.

While you’ll get the most benefit from regularly exercising for 30 minutes or more, it’s okay to build up your fitness level gradually. Even very small activities can add up over the course of a day. The first step is to get yourself up and moving. Here are some easy ways to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule:

• Put on some music and dance around.
• Take your  dog for a walk .
• Walk or cycle to the grocery store.
• Use the stairs at home or work rather than an elevator.
• Park your car in the farthest spot in the lot and walk the rest of the way.
• Pair up with an exercise partner and encourage each other as you work out.
• Play ping-pong or an activity-based video game with your kids.

The stress-busting magic of mindful rhythmic exercise

While just about any form of physical activity can help burn away tension and stress, rhythmic activities are especially effective. Good choices include walking, running, swimming, dancing, cycling, tai chi, and aerobics. But whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with it.

While you’re exercising, make a conscious effort to pay attention to your body and the physical (and sometimes emotional) sensations you experience as you’re moving. Focus on coordinating your breathing with your movements, for example, or notice how the air or sunlight feels on your skin. Adding this mindfulness element will help you break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that often accompanies overwhelming stress.

Tip 4: Connect to others

There is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. In fact, face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that counteracts the body’s defensive “fight-or-flight” response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever (as an added bonus, it also helps stave off depression and anxiety). So make it a point to connect regularly—and in person—with family and friends.

Keep in mind that the people you talk to don’t have to be able to fix your stress. They simply need to be good listeners. And try not to let worries about looking weak or being a burden keep you from opening up. The people who care about you will be flattered by your trust. It will only strengthen your bond.

Of course, it’s not always realistic to have a pal close by to lean on when you feel overwhelmed by stress, but by building and maintaining a  network of close friends  you can improve your resiliency to life’s stressors.

Tips for building relationships

• Reach out to a colleague at work.
• Help someone else by  volunteering .
• Have lunch or coffee with a friend.
• Ask a loved one to check in with you regularly.
• Accompany someone to the movies or a concert.
• Call or email an old friend.
• Go for a walk  with a workout buddy.
• Schedule a weekly dinner date.
• Meet new people by taking a class or joining a club.
• Confide in a clergy member, teacher, or sports coach.

Tip 5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by carving out “me” time. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors.

Set aside leisure time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.

Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

Keep your sense of humor. This includes the ability to laugh at yourself.  The act of laughing  helps your body fight stress in a number of ways.

Take up a relaxation practice. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the  body’s relaxation response , a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the fight or flight or mobilization stress response. As you learn and practice these techniques, your stress levels will decrease and your mind and body will become calm and centered.

Tip 6: Manage your time better

Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. Plus, you’ll be tempted to avoid or cut back on all the healthy things you should be doing to keep stress in check, like socializing and getting enough sleep. The good news: there are things you can do to achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Don’t over-commit yourself. Avoid scheduling things back-to-back or trying to fit too much into one day. All too often, we underestimate how long things will take.

Prioritize tasks. Make a list of tasks you have to do, and tackle them in order of importance. Do the high-priority items first. If you have something particularly unpleasant or stressful to do, get it over with early. The rest of your day will be more pleasant as a result.

Break projects into small steps. If a large project seems overwhelming, make a step-by-step plan. Focus on one manageable step at a time, rather than taking on everything at once.

Delegate responsibility. You don’t have to do it all yourself, whether at home, school, or on the job. If other people can take care of the task, why not let them? Let go of the desire to control or oversee every little step. You’ll be letting go of unnecessary stress in the process.

Tip 7: Maintain balance with a healthy lifestyle

In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your resistance to stress.

Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with  balanced, nutritious meals  throughout the day.

Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and  sugar snacks in your diet , you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.  Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs  may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.

Get enough sleep.  Adequate sleep  fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

Tip 8: Learn to relieve stress in the moment

When you’re frazzled by your morning commute, stuck in a stressful meeting at work, or fried from another argument with your spouse, you need a way to manage your stress levels  right now . That’s where quick stress relief comes in.

The fastest way to reduce stress is by taking a deep breath and using your senses—what you see, hear, taste, and touch—or through a soothing movement. By viewing a favorite photo, smelling a specific scent, listening to a favorite piece of music, tasting a piece of gum, or hugging a pet, for example, you can quickly relax and focus yourself.

Of course, not everyone responds to each sensory experience in the same way. The key to  quick stress relief  is to experiment and discover the unique sensory experiences that work best for you.

From Helpguide.org. Used with permission. HelpGuide provides evidence-based mental health education and support to a global audience. Their mission is to empower you with information you can use to help yourself and your loved ones. www.helpguide.org .

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Comments (66)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

Megala replied on Fri, 02/04/2022 - 6:46am Permalink

I tried some nutrition chews, which were delicious and a terrific stress reliever. Adults should take one to two per day so that they can sleep soundly and stay healthy. Thank you for the blog!!

Ashmitha replied on Thu, 11/18/2021 - 5:53am Permalink

Hi, really useful information thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

Anonymous replied on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 2:50am Permalink

This article helps me relax

this article is... replied on Thu, 09/30/2021 - 4:49pm Permalink

this article really helped me a lot thanks

Anonymous replied on Thu, 09/30/2021 - 4:40pm Permalink

the most relaxing thing is yelling at the wall

dipak sarangi replied on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 2:35pm Permalink

Amazing post. Everyone should have a read on this article. All your posts are also really good. Keep it up.

Anonymous replied on Sat, 06/05/2021 - 2:16am Permalink

best article that I have read in a long time

Alex replied on Wed, 04/14/2021 - 3:29pm Permalink

Great tips for managing stress. Sometimes a long term solution is needed though. What worked for me was this simple daily morning ritual. Not only made me more relaxed and stress free but also helped me sleep better. Hope this helps.

The Wellness Way replied on Tue, 03/30/2021 - 7:54am Permalink

Great Blog thanks for sharing this amazing blog this blog help lots of people. Thanks again.

Omkar Mule replied on Sun, 03/07/2021 - 7:35am Permalink

Thank you for sharing this amazing content with us! Literally, I loved this article.

Anonymous replied on Tue, 02/23/2021 - 1:36pm Permalink

When I was younger I used to play with Play Dough, now that I'm older, I still play with Play Dough.

Samina Iftikhar replied on Sat, 12/26/2020 - 4:45am Permalink

it is very helpful.

sadia jarrar replied on Mon, 12/14/2020 - 10:16am Permalink

if we are taking any stress the best way is to calm down our self, listen to light music or go for a walk and think about beautiful things happening around us

Sadaf replied on Sun, 01/03/2021 - 8:16am Permalink

Nazneen Zaidi replied on Sun, 12/20/2020 - 9:15am Permalink

Anonymous replied on Sun, 12/13/2020 - 11:36am Permalink

Worth Reading :)

Saba bajwa replied on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 6:21am Permalink

Very helpful

habiba replied on Tue, 12/08/2020 - 9:36am Permalink

it is beneficial to deal with physical and emotion stress.

annonymous replied on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 2:36am Permalink

Stress management is important to live a healthy life

Emmarisper replied on Thu, 05/20/2021 - 8:25am Permalink

It's helpful

Anonymous replied on Mon, 11/09/2020 - 9:43am Permalink

This is very helpful and i hope it will works

Anonymous replied on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 3:54am Permalink

Stress management gives you a range of tools to reset your alarm system. It can help your mind and body adapt. Without it, your body might always be on high alert.

zahra replied on Wed, 11/04/2020 - 11:43am Permalink

stress is not good for health

Anonymous replied on Sat, 12/26/2020 - 4:46am Permalink

Brira zia replied on Wed, 11/04/2020 - 9:37am Permalink

I give my stress respect, and I let my mind and body process it. It takes time but more often than expected it is a permanent solution

Anonymous replied on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 9:52am Permalink

can we deal with stress by using only one technique.

Anonymous replied on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 12:00am Permalink

i totally agree with your point of view.

Ashfaq replied on Wed, 10/14/2020 - 4:45am Permalink

meditation in prayer

shaziayousaf replied on Mon, 02/01/2021 - 7:40am Permalink

best way is to pray relax mediate and walk in a park

Anonymous replied on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 2:14pm Permalink

The best thing to reduce stress as per me is to have a cup of coffee with your best buddy and discuss your heart openly.

Anonymous replied on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 3:45am Permalink

Saadia Zafar replied on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 1:35pm Permalink

I give my stress respect, and I let my mind and body process it. It takes time but more often than expected it is a permanent solution.

Sadia Iftikhar replied on Tue, 08/25/2020 - 3:55pm Permalink

McClure Law replied on Sat, 07/18/2020 - 6:00am Permalink

Hi, Nice Post and its really good for everyone and very helpful for health. Thanks and Good job.

kwambokaevelyn8... replied on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 7:48am Permalink

Thanks for the good posts.So helpful.

Anonymous replied on Sat, 06/13/2020 - 10:01am Permalink

Anonymous replied on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 2:58pm Permalink

I totally agree with your point of view

Anonymous replied on Tue, 05/19/2020 - 12:12pm Permalink

Thank you that really helped me

Anonymous replied on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 9:40pm Permalink

this really helped me in quarantine, because I moved back to Egypt back to my family and friends.

Anonymous replied on Wed, 04/29/2020 - 7:56am Permalink

My side head is continuously paining due to stress level. Due to lock down, i am continuously working on lap top and having headache and many time it is giving dizziness. I am regularly doing exercise. Please suggest the way forward or particular exercise.

Counsellor replied on Thu, 05/07/2020 - 6:18am Permalink

Take a breather between the work. Working continuously on laptop burn out the energy and procrastinate accuracy in work. Take mini breaks to regain your energy. Have a good laugh it will boost good mood. Do chair exercise to stretch your muscles. All this help you to regain your energy and uplift your mood.

Anonymous replied on Thu, 04/16/2020 - 10:59am Permalink

This helped me with my project

Anonymous replied on Tue, 03/03/2020 - 12:12pm Permalink

hey, i am Alexis and i have been so stressed with my family and school. it is just hard to keep everything going in my life because i have always been someone that does everything for everyone else but never for myself. i just want to be happy with myself and everything in my life. i don't want to be the depressed girl with anger issues and anxiety and well its a long list. but i don't know how to help myself relax and that's the first thing that i want to do, before i change anything else because if i can't relax, i am going to explode and i don't think i am going to get better on my own

Princess replied on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 10:26am Permalink

Alexis, stop expecting so much from yourself and trying to please everyone. Take on things that you can do very well and pass the other things. You are struggling too much and stretching yourself beyond limit. Slow down, take a breather and if you can get a puppy and get your mind off people for a while. Also learn to pray and sing. Its a stress killer! Life is sweet despite Covid virus, so be happy my dear! God bless you!

jaron replied on Thu, 04/02/2020 - 2:44pm Permalink

i think that you should take a deep breath and seperate yourself from the group

and talk to a teacher parent or friend . And talk about this situation and how could you make it better for you and your friends and famliy.

Anonymous replied on Wed, 03/04/2020 - 6:34pm Permalink

Alexis, sounds like you have a lot of people in your life that care about you and that you care about as well. I think that what you need to do is learn to say "No". The people in your life should be understanding, and if not they aren't worth the extra stress in your life. If you want to help them, they might want to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you have too much on your plate. You are worth the extra effort. It is a win-win,, less on your plate and others get to show you that they appreciate you too. Good Luck.

anete replied on Wed, 01/29/2020 - 7:14am Permalink

Stress always occurs especially if there is competition in sport, although the activity itself reduces it. it is about dealing with it during confusion attention to the pleasant things that will work together with the situation we are in.

Nathalie Argueles replied on Fri, 11/22/2019 - 2:03am Permalink

Interesting. This looks super cool. I haven't read it all yet, but I'll be back to read the rest of it.

Anonymous replied on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 11:01am Permalink

Fantastic article, m8

boi replied on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 10:59am Permalink

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How to Be Better at Stress

By Tara Parker-Pope

Illustrations by Sam Kalda

Stress is unavoidable in modern life, but it doesn’t have to get you down. Work, money and family all create daily stress, while bigger issues like the global pandemic and politics contribute to our underlying stress levels. But approach it the right way, and it won’t rule your life — it can even be good for you. Here are ways to deal with stress, reduce its harm and even use your daily stress to make you stronger.

Stress is inevitable; getting sick from it is not.

The Perception of Stress

While we know that stress is associated with health problems, plenty of people with high-stress lives are thriving. How is that possible? In 2012, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison published a seminal study looking at how 28,000 people perceived stress in their lives. People in the study answered these two questions:

During the past 12 months, would you say that you experienced:

A lot of stress A moderate amount of stress Relatively little stress Almost no stress at all

How much effect has stress had on your health?

A lot Some Hardly any None

The researchers looked at death rates in the study group over nine years. The results are startling. The study found that having a lot of stress in your life was not linked with premature death. But having a lot of stress in your life and believing it was taking a toll on your health increased risk of premature death by 43 percent.

Changing your perception

With stress, the mind and the body are intrinsically linked. You can view stress as something that is wreaking havoc on your body (and it can) or as something that is giving you the strength and energy to overcome adversity. Here’s a quick way to think about these two very different views of stress. Read the statement, and then think about your own reaction to the biological changes that occur during times of stress. 1. When I’m stressed, my body releases adrenaline and cortisol. My heart is beating faster. This means that:

Common View: Stress is increasing my risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Alternative View: My heart is working harder and my body is mobilizing its energy to get ready for this challenge.

2. When I’m stressed, my stress response is causing my breathing rate to increase. This means that:

Common View: My fast breathing is a sign of anxiety. I worry about how stress is affecting my mental and physical health.

Alternative View: I should take a deep breath. My faster breathing means more oxygen is getting to my brain so I can think more clearly.

3. When I’m stressed, my heart and circulatory system respond, causing my blood pressure to rise. This means that:

Common View: I can feel my blood pressure rising. This can’t be good for my health.

Alternative View: Circulatory changes are allowing more oxygen and nutrients to fuel my muscles. I’m feeling stronger and ready for the challenge ahead.

It’s probably clear to you that the alternative view is the better choice for thinking about stress. It may be hard to believe that such a small shift in thinking could make a difference, but that’s what Harvard researchers found when they paid 50 study subjects $25 each to take part in a lab experiment designed to induce stress. The test involves giving a talk in front of a group of unfriendly evaluators, followed by a tricky word test. (Researchers have consistently found that this formula of public speaking plus testing in front of a hostile crowd is incredibly uncomfortable and stress-inducing for the poor people who agree to take part in the study.)

Before the social stress test, one group was allowed to play video games; another was taught to simply ignore stressful feelings if they experienced them during the test. But a third group was given advice similar to the quiz above. They got a primer about the physical stress response and were told how a higher heart rate, faster breathing and internal jitters were all tools for making you strong during a stressful event. They were told how the body’s stress response evolved to help us succeed, and that the increased arousal symptoms of stress can aid your performance during times of stress. The bottom line of the lesson was this: In a tough situation, stress makes you stronger.

The group that learned to rethink the role of stress in their lives did far better on the test. They gave better speeches and were rated as more confident. They smiled more and had more-positive body language. And physiological indicators showed that their bodies were also managing the stress response better than those of test subjects who were taught to ignore stress or given no advice at all.

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11 healthy ways to handle life’s stressors

When stress becomes unmanageable, try these evidence-based tools to tackle it in healthy ways

• Exercise and Fitness
• Sport and Rehabilitation

Stressful experiences are a normal part of life, and the stress response is a survival mechanism that primes us to respond to threats. Some stress is positive: Imagine standing in front of a crowd to give a speech and hitting it out of the park. Stressful? Certainly. But also challenging and satisfying.

But when a stressor is negative and can’t be fought off or avoided—such as layoffs at work or a loved one’s medical crisis—or when the experience of stress becomes chronic , our biological responses to stress can impair our physical and mental health.

Fortunately, there are many evidence-based tools to help combat the negative effects of stress in healthy ways. They recommend that you:

• Try to eliminate the stressors : Whether or not you experience an intolerable level of psychological stress depends on the intensity of the situation and also the person experiencing it. How you perceive and think about a stressor can also make a big impact on how you respond. It’s not always possible to escape a stressful situation or avoid a problem, but you can try to reduce the stress you are feeling. Evaluate whether you can change the situation that is causing you stress, perhaps by dropping some responsibility, relaxing your standards, or asking for help.
• Cultivate social support : Strong social support can improve resilience to stress . Reach out strategically. Some friends or family members may be good at listening and sympathizing. Others might excel at practical help, like bringing over a home-cooked meal or covering an hour of child care. Giving support can also increase positive emotions and decrease negative emotions. Just make sure your relationships stay in balance. A friend who requires support but never gives it may increase your stress level. [ Related : The science of why friendships keep us healthy ]
• Seek good nutrition : When confronted with a stressor, the central nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which affects the digestive tract among other physiological changes. Acute stress can kill the appetite, but the release of the hormone cortisol during chronic stress can cause fat and sugar cravings. Research also suggests that high cortisol combined with high sugar consumption may prompt the deposition of fat around our internal organs —visceral fat that is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A diet high in a variety of nutrients can both protect health and provide more physical energy to deal with challenges. No need to go vegan or swear off cookies—just aim to consume a rainbow of fruits and vegetables as part of your daily diet. Avoid using substances such as alcohol to dampen the stress response since substances do not solve the root of the problem and can have serious health effects. [ Related : That salad isn’t just good for your nutrition—it may help stave off depression ]
• Relax your muscles : Because stress causes muscles to tense, being stressed out can create tension headaches, backaches, and general fatigue. Combat stress and these symptoms with stretches, massage, or warm baths. Or try progressive muscle relaxation , a method that has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health. To practice progressive muscle relaxation, get in a comfortable position and choose a muscle group, like your lower leg muscles (most practitioners recommend starting with the lower body and working your way up). Inhale and contract the muscles for five to 10 seconds, then exhale and release the muscles suddenly. Relax for 10 or more seconds and then move on to the next muscle group. Another option is passive progressive muscle relaxation. This technique is similar to progressive muscle relaxation but skips the tensing step. Instead, simply picture each muscle group one at a time and focus on relaxing that portion of the body.

• Meditate : A strong body of research shows that mindful meditation can reduce psychological stress and anxiety—even short-term mindfulness meditation programs work . To get started, set aside five minutes in a quiet place to sit and breathe. Focus on the present moment; if stray thoughts intrude, acknowledge them and then let them go. Don’t judge yourself for any mental wavering. Gently refocus and bring the attention back to the present moment.
• Protect your sleep : Daytime stress affects nighttime sleep. Making matters worse, losing shuteye can affect both cognition and mood. How to sleep better? Try to have a consistent sleep routine that allows time to wind down before lights out. Meditation and relaxation can help with insomnia. Also, avoid caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening. Put down your screens, as blue light can suppress the sleepy hormone melatonin (and checking social media may ramp up your emotions.) Finally, move your body during the day: A large body of research suggests that physical activity can improve sleep , especially for middle-aged and older adults. [ Related : APA’s health advisory on social media use in children and teens ]
• Get physical : Brisk movement can not only improve sleep, it can directly combat stress. In one study, working adults who participated in moderate physical activity had half the perceived stress as working adults who did not participate. Physical activity may also cancel out some of the negative effects of stress , including the impact of stress on the immune system. Adding physical activity needn’t be expensive or complex: A brisk 30-minute walk or a dance session in the living room can do the trick. [ Related : Want to boost your mental health? Take a walk ]
• Take a moment in nature : Studies conducted in multiple countries have found that green space improves mood . Even nature videos can speed the recovery from stress compared with videos of urban scenes. Taking a moment to notice nature—even in the form of a bustling city park—can refocus and calm your mind.
• Keep your pleasurable activities : When life gets overwhelming, people often drop their leisure activities first. But cutting yourself off from pleasure can be counterproductive. Even when time is tight, look for opportunities to do something for yourself, whether that means reading a novel, singing along to your favorite tunes, or streaming your favorite comedy on Netflix. Humor and laughter can benefit both mental and physical health.
• Reframe your thinking : One of the most research-supported treatments for stress and anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. At the root of this therapy approach is the understanding that our thoughts influence our emotions, which in turn influence our behaviors. Reframing your thoughts around a stressor can help manage your emotions, reducing feelings of stress . Some tips: If you feel yourself spiraling into imagining worst-case scenarios, stop and put your mind elsewhere. Set realistic expectations for yourself. Strive for acceptance of situations outside of your control.
• Seek help : If you feel overwhelmed and self-help isn’t helping, look for a psychologist or other mental health provider who can help you learn how to manage your stress effectively. He or she can help you identify situations or behaviors that contribute to your stress and then develop an action plan to change the stressors, change your environment, and change your responses.

Acute versus chronic stress

The experience of stress can be either acute or chronic. Acute stress usually occurs in response to a short-term stressor, like a car accident or an argument with your spouse. Acute stress can be very distressing, but it passes quickly and typically responds well to coping techniques like calming breathing or brisk physical activity.

Chronic stress occurs when stressors don’t let up. The roots of chronic stress can vary widely, from situations people can control or avoid (such as having a toxic friendship) to difficulties that are hard to escape (poverty, racism, or other discrimination). Because people respond differently to stressful circumstances, a situation that one person might find tolerable can become a source of chronic stress for another.

Chronic stress can damage both mental and physical health. Being chronically stressed may leave you feeling fatigued, sap your ability to concentrate, and cause headaches and digestive difficulties. People prone to irritable bowel syndrome often find that their symptoms spike with psychological stress . Though acute stress can heighten certain immune responses, the wear-and-tear of chronic stress is bad for the immune system . Chronic stress can also affect cardiac health, with multiple studies finding a link between chronic stress and the development of coronary artery disease .

The American Psychological Association gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Beverly Thorn, PhD, in developing this fact sheet.

Recommended Reading

• Stress in America: Recovery from collective trauma
• Stress effects on the body

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Top 10 Stress Management Techniques for Students

How to de-stress when you're feeling overwhelmed

No doubt about it, school is stressful. Academic deadlines, worrying about grades, pressure from parents and teachers, and juggling these challenges with your other responsibilities can leave you feeling frazzled and anxious.

The bad news is that all this stress can take a toll on your health, happiness, relationships, and grades. The good news is that learning to utilize some effective stress management strategies for students can help you tame these anxieties and keep your stress at manageable levels—even during midterms and finals.

At a Glance

Most students experience significant amounts of stress. This can significantly affect your academic performance, social life, and well-being. Learning stress management techniques can help you avoid negative effects in these areas. Strategies that can help include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Using guided imagery
• Exercise regularly
• Practicing deep breathing
• Using progressive muscle relaxation
• Listening to music
• Finding social support
• Eating a healthy diet
• Eliminating sources of stress
• Trying mindfulness

Let's take a closer look at why stress management is so important for students and what you can do to get a handle on the stress in your life.

Why Stress Management Is Important for Students

A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that teens report stress levels similar to adults. This means teens are experiencing significant levels of chronic stress and feel their stress levels generally exceed their ability to cope effectively .

Roughly 30% of the teens reported feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or sad because of their stress. According to one Pew Research Center report, 70% of teens view anxiety and depression as major problems for people their age.

Stress can also affect health-related behaviors. Stressed students are more likely to have problems with disrupted sleep, poor diet, and lack of exercise. This is understandable given that nearly half of APA survey respondents reported completing three hours of homework per night in addition to their full day of school work and extracurriculars.

Common Causes of Student Stress

Why are students today so stressed? According to the APA 2023 Stress in America report, Gen Z and younger millennials are overwhelmed by stress. The causes of this stress come from many areas. Financial worries , loneliness and isolation, climate concerns, political strife, the collective trauma linked to the pandemic, and other world events are all factors that play a part in the pressure on young people today. 

Another study found that much of high school students' stress originates from school and activities, and that this chronic stress can persist into college years and lead to academic disengagement and mental health problems.

Top Student Stressors

Common sources of student stress include:

• Extracurricular activities
• Social challenges
• Transitions (e.g., graduating, moving out , living independently)
• Relationships
• Pressure to succeed
• World events

Among High School Students

High school students face the intense competitiveness of taking challenging courses, amassing impressive extracurriculars, studying and acing college placement tests, and deciding on important and life-changing plans for their future. At the same time, they have to navigate the social challenges inherent to the high school experience.

Among College Students

This stress continues if students decide to attend college. Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but research has found that increased daily stressors put college-aged young adults at a higher risk for stress than other age groups.

Making new friends, handling a more challenging workload, feeling pressured to succeed, being without parental support, and navigating the stresses of more independent living are all added challenges that make this transition more difficult. Romantic relationships always add an extra layer of potential stress.

Students often recognize that they need to relieve stress . However, all the activities and responsibilities that fill a student’s schedule sometimes make it difficult to find the time to try new stress relievers to help dissipate that stress.

10 Stress Management Techniques for Students

Here you will learn 10 stress management techniques for students. These options are relatively easy, quick, and relevant to a student’s life and types of stress .

Get Enough Sleep

Blend Images - Hill Street Studios / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

Students, with their packed schedules, are notorious for missing sleep. Unfortunately, operating in a sleep-deprived state puts you at a distinct disadvantage. You’re less productive, may find it more difficult to learn, and may even be a hazard behind the wheel.

Research suggests that sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness are also linked to impaired mood, higher risk for car accidents, lower grade point averages, worse learning, and a higher risk of academic failure.

Don't neglect your sleep schedule. Aim to get at least 8 hours a night and take power naps when needed.

Use Guided Imagery

David Malan / Getty Images

Guided imagery can also be a useful and effective tool to help stressed students cope with academic, social, and other stressors. Visualizations can help you calm down, detach from what’s stressing you, and reduce your body’s stress response.

You can use guided imagery to relax your body by sitting in a quiet, comfortable place, closing your eyes, and imagining a peaceful scene. Spend several minutes relaxing as you enjoy mentally basking in your restful image.

Consider trying a guided imagery app if you need extra help visualizing a scene and inducting a relaxation response. Research suggests that such tools might be an affordable and convenient way to reduce stress.

Exercise Regularly

One of the healthiest ways to blow off steam is to get regular exercise . Evidence indicates that students who participate in regular physical activity report lower levels of perceived stress.

While these students still grapple with the same social, academic, and life pressures as their less-active peers, these challenges feel less stressful and are easier to manage.

Finding time for exercise might be a challenge, but there are strategies that you can use to add more physical activity to your day. Some ideas that you might try include:

• Doing yoga in the morning
• Walking or biking to class
• Reviewing for tests with a friend while walking on a treadmill at the gym
• Taking an elective gym class focused on leisure sports or exercise
• Joining an intramural sport

Exercise can help buffer against the negative effects of student stress. Starting now and keeping a regular exercise practice throughout your lifetime can help you live longer and enjoy your life more.

Take Calming Breaths

When your body is experiencing a stress response, you’re often not thinking as clearly as you could be. You are also likely not breathing properly. You might be taking short, shallow breaths. When you breathe improperly, it upsets the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body.

Studies suggest this imbalance can contribute to various physical symptoms, including increased anxiety, fatigue, stress, emotional problems, and panic attacks.

A quick way to calm down is to practice breathing exercises . These can be done virtually anywhere to relieve stress in minutes.

Because they are fast-acting, breathing exercises are a great way to cope with moments of acute stress , such as right before an exam or presentation. But they can also help manage longer-lasting stress such as dealing with relationships, work, or financial problems.

Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Another great stress management technique for students that can be used during tests, before bed, or at other times when stress has you physically wound up is progressive muscle relaxation ( PMR ).

This technique involves tensing and relaxing all muscles until the body is completely relaxed. With practice, you can learn to release stress from your body in seconds. This can be particularly helpful for students because it can be adapted to help relaxation efforts before sleep for a deeper sleep.

Once a person learns how to use PMR effectively, it can be a quick and handy way to induce relaxation in any stressful situation, such as bouts of momentary panic before a speech or exam, dealing with a disagreement with your roommate, or preparing to discuss a problem with your academic advisor.

Listen to Music

As convenient stress reliever that has also shown many cognitive benefits, music can help relieve stress and calm you down or stimulate your mind depending on what you need in the moment.

Research has found that playing upbeat music can improve processing speed and memory. Stressed students may find that listening to relaxing music can help calm the body and mind. One study found that students who listened to the sounds of relaxing music were able to recover more quickly after a stressful situation.

Students can harness the benefits of music by playing classical music while studying, playing upbeat music to "wake up" mentally, or relaxing with the help of their favorite slow melodies.

Build Your Support Network

Halfpoint Images / Getty Images

Having emotional support can help create a protective buffer against stress. Unfortunately,  interpersonal relationships can also sometimes be a source of anxiety for students. Changes in friendships, romantic breakups, and life transitions such as moving away for college can create significant upheaval and stress for students.

One way to combat feelings of loneliness and make sure that you have people to lean on in times of need is to expand your support network and nurture your relationships.

Look for opportunities to meet new people, whether it involves joining study groups or participating in other academic, social, and leisure activities.

Remember that different types of relationships offer differing types of support . Your relationships with teachers, counselors, and mentors can be a great source of information and resources that may help you academically. Relationships with friends can provide emotional and practical support.

Widening your social circle can combat student stress on various fronts and ensure you have what you need to succeed.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Niedring/Drentwett / Getty Images

You may not realize it, but your diet can either boost your brainpower or sap you of mental energy. It can also make you more reactive to the stress in your life. As a result, you might find yourself turning to high-sugar, high-fat snacks to provide a temporary sense of relief.

A healthy diet can help combat stress in several ways. Improving your diet can keep you from experiencing diet-related mood swings, light-headedness, and more.

Unfortunately, students are often prone to poor dietary habits. Feelings of stress can make it harder to stick to a consistently healthy diet, but other concerns such as finances, access to cooking facilities, and time to prepare healthy meals can make it more challenging for students.

Some tactics that can help students make healthy choices include:

• Eating regularly
• Carrying a water bottle to class
• Keeping healthy snacks such as fruits and nuts handy
• Limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake

Find Ways to Minimize Stress

One way to improve your ability to manage student stress is to look for ways you cut stress out of your life altogether. Evaluate the things that are bringing stress or anxiety into your life. Are they necessary? Are they providing more benefits than the toll they take on your mental health? If the answer is no, sometimes the best option is just to ditch them altogether.

This might mean cutting some extracurricular activities out of your schedule. It might mean limiting your use of social media. Or it might mean learning to say no to requests for your time, energy, and resources. 

While it might be challenging at first, learning how to prioritize yourself and your mental well-being is an important step toward reducing your stress.

Try Mindfulness

When you find yourself dealing with stress—whether it's due to academics, relationships, financial pressures, or social challenges—becoming more aware of how you feel in the moment may help you respond more effectively.

Mindfulness involves becoming more aware of the present moment. Rather than judging, reacting, or avoiding problems, the goal is to focus on the present, become more aware of how you are feeling, observe your reactions, and accept these feelings without passing judgment on them.

Research suggests that mindfulness-based stress management practices can be a useful tool for reducing student stress. Such strategies may also help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

It is important to remember that stress isn't the same for everyone. Figuring out what works for you may take some trial and error. A good start is to ensure that you are taking care of yourself physically and emotionally and to experiment with different stress relief strategies to figure out what works best to help you feel less stressed.

If stress and anxiety are causing distress or making it difficult to function in your daily life, it is important to seek help. Many schools offer resources that can help, including face-to-face and online mental health services. You might start by talking to your school counselor or student advisor about the stress you are coping with. You can also talk to a parent, another trusted adult, or your doctor.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline  at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our  National Helpline Database .

American Psychological Association. Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults' Stress Habits?

Pew Research Center. Most U.S. teens see anxiety and depression as a major problem among their peers .

American Psychological Association. Stress in America 2023 .

Leonard NR, Gwadz MV, Ritchie A, et al. A multi-method exploratory study of stress, coping, and substance use among high school youth in private schools . Front Psychol. 2015;6:1028. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01028

Acharya L, Jin L, Collins W. College life is stressful today - Emerging stressors and depressive symptoms in college students . J Am Coll Health . 2018;66(7):655-664. doi:10.1080/07448481.2018.1451869

Beiter R, Nash R, McCrady M, Rhoades D, Linscomb M, Clarahan M, Sammut S. The prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of college students . J Affect Disord . 2015;173:90-6. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.10.054

Hershner SD, Chervin RD. Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students . Nat Sci Sleep . 2014;6:73-84. doi:10.2147/NSS.S62907

Gordon JS, Sbarra D, Armin J, Pace TWW, Gniady C, Barraza Y. Use of a guided imagery mobile app (See Me Serene) to reduce COVID-19-related stress: Pilot feasibility study . JMIR Form Res . 2021;5(10):e32353. doi:10.2196/32353

Cowley J, Kiely J, Collins D. Is there a link between self-perceived stress and physical activity levels in Scottish adolescents ? Int J Adolesc Med Health . 2017;31(1). doi:10.1515/ijamh-2016-0104

Harrison OK, Köchli L, Marino S, et al. Interoception of breathing and its relationship with anxiety .  Neuron . 2021;109(24):4080-4093.e8. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2021.09.045

Toussaint L, Nguyen QA, Roettger C, Dixon K, Offenbächer M, Kohls N, Hirsch J, Sirois F. Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and guided imagery in promoting psychological and physiological states of relaxation . Evid Based Complement Alternat Med . 2021;2021:5924040. doi:10.1155/2021/5924040.

Bottiroli S, Rosi A, Russo R, Vecchi T, Cavallini E. The cognitive effects of listening to background music on older adults: processing speed improves with upbeat music, while memory seems to benefit from both upbeat and downbeat music .  Front Aging Neurosci . 2014;6:284. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2014.00284

Thoma MV, La Marca R, Brönnimann R, Finkel L, Ehlert U, Nater UM.  The effect of music on the human stress response .  PLoS ONE . 2013;8(8):e70156. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070156

American Psychological Association. Manage stress: Strengthen your support network .

Di Polito N, Stylianakis AA, Richardson R, Baker KD. Real-world intake of dietary sugars is associated with reduced cortisol reactivity following an acute physiological stressor .  Nutrients . 2023;15(1):209. doi:10.3390/nu15010209

Parsons D, Gardner P, Parry S, Smart S. Mindfulness-based approaches for managing stress, anxiety and depression for health students in tertiary education: A scoping review . Mindfulness (N Y) . 2022;13(1):1-16. doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01740-3

By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Psychology Discussion

Essay on stress: it’s meaning, effects and coping with stress.

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Essay on Stress: It’s Meaning, Effects and Coping with Stress!

Stress is a very common problem being faced today. Every individual will experience stress in one or the other time.

The term stress has many definitions, Lazarus and Folkman (1984) have defined stress as “an internal state which can be caused by physical demands of body or by environmental and social situations, which are evaluated as potentially harmful, uncontrollable, or exceeding our resources for coping”.

According to David Fontana “stress is a demand made upon the adaptive capacities of the mind and body”.

These definitions indicate that stress represents those conditions under which individuals have demand made upon them, that they cannot physically or psychologically meet, leading to breakdown at one or other of these levels.

Stress is usually thought of in negative terms. But ii can manifest itself in both positive and negative way. It is said to be positive when the situation offers an opportunity for one, to gain something.

Eustress (the Greek word ‘eu’ means good) is the term used to describe positive stress. It is often viewed as motivator, since in its absence the individual lacks the spirit necessary for peak performance. Distress is the term used to indicate negative stress.

Almost any change in the environment- even a pleasant change such as a joyful trip- demands some coping, and a little stress is useful in helping us to adapt. But beyond some point, stress becomes a ‘distress’.

What acts to produce distress varies from person to person, but some events seem to be stressors for every person.

Examples of stressors are:

1. Injury or infections of the body, dangers in environment, major changes or transitions in life which force us to cope in new ways.

2. Physical stressors like noise, pollutions, climatic changes, etc.

3. Hustles of everyday life centering on work, family, social activities, health and finances.

4. Frustrations and conflicts.

The physical, environmental and social causes of the stress state are termed stressors. Once induced by stressors the internal stress state can then lead to various responses. On the other hand, psychological responses such as anxiety, hopelessness, depression, irritability, and a general feeling of not being able to cope with the world, can result from the stress state.

Stress cycles:

Stress has a number of immediate effects. If the stressors are maintained, long-term behavioural, physiological, emotional and cognitive effects occur. If these effects hinder adaptation to the environment or create discomfort and distress, they themselves become stressors and, tend to perpetuate a ‘cycle’ of distress.

Example, a patient spends more money on treatment, may experience continued stress even after the cure of the disease, because repayment of debt cause stress for long time in him or a patient whose leg is amputated after accident may continue to worry about it.

On the other hand, many people have developed ways of coping with stressors, so that they are able to respond adaptively. This is the ‘wellness cycle’. Teaching people adaptive ways of handling stress, so as to promote the wellness cycle is an important part of the newly emerging field of behavioural medicine.

Effects of stress:

Stress is not always harmful. In fact, it is recognised that low levels of stress can even helps for better performance. For example, a student can prepare well for forthcoming examination only if he has some stress. However, excess level of stress is undoubtedly harmful.

The effects of stress are divided into three categories:

a. Physiological effects:

Commonly appearing stress related bodily disorders are-peptic ulcers, hypertension, chronic fatigue, hormonal changes, increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing, numbness of limbs, heart disease and reduction in immunity, etc.

b. Psychological effects:

Anxiety, depression, hopelessness, helplessness, anger, nervousness, irritability, tension and boredom may be experienced.

c. Behavioural changes:

Decreasing efficiency, making mistakes, inability to take decisions, under eating or overeating, sleeplessness, increased smoking, develop addiction to alcohol and drugs, forgetfulness, hypersensitivity or passiveness, accident proneness and interpersonal difficulties are seen.

Stress is linked to disorders such as cancer and heart disorders. There are several mediating variables that determine whether stress becomes dangerous or not. For example, good coping mechanisms which can help to reduce stress, having good social support, often help in reducing stress.

Perception of stress or how a person views stress is also very important. For example, a person may not perceive a situation as stressful whereas the same situation may be perceived as highly stressful by some other person.

People with personality type ‘A’ are more prone to be affected by stress related disorders like cardiovascular diseases. Personality character like hardiness or emotional stability helps to withstand effects of stress.

Hans Selye, a renowned biological scientist defines stress as the nonspecific response of the body to any demand upon it. He termed the body’s response to stressors the “General Adaptation Syndrome” (GAS).

The GAS consists of 3 stages:

1. Alarm reaction:

It is an emergency response of the body. In this stage prompt responses of the body, many of them mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, prepare us to cope with the stressor here and now.

2. Stage of resistance:

If the stressor continues to be present, the stage of resistance begins, wherein the body resists the effects of the continuous stressor. During this stage certain hormonal responses of the body are an important line of defence in resisting the effects of stressors (For example, release of ACTH).

3. Stage of exhaustion:

In this stage, the body’s capacity to respond to both continuous and new stressors has been seriously compromised. The person will no longer be able to face stressor and he will finally succumb to it. The person may develop psychosomatic illness.

The stress leads to many psychosomatic diseases. Treatment for such diseases involves medical help for the physical problems and, at the same time, attention to the psychological factors producing the stress.

Coping with Stress :

There are different ways of coping with stress such as: confronting (facing), distancing (remoteness), self-control, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, escape or avoid (from the stressor), plan a problem solving strategy and positive reappraisal.

Usually two broad type of coping types are seen- Instrumental coping and Emotional coping.

In instrumental coping, a person focuses on the problem and tries to solve it. In emotional coping, the focus is more on the feelings generated by the problem.

Today, self- help remedies, Do to yourself approaches, weight loss clinics and diets, health foods and physical exercise are being given much attention in mass media. People are actually taking more responsibility to maintain good health.

However, some specific techniques to eliminate or to manage more effectively the inevitable, prolonged stress are as follows:

Good physical exercise like walking, jogging, swimming, riding bicycle, playing soft ball, tennis are necessary to cope with stress.

Relaxation:

Whether a person simply takes it easy once in a while or uses specific relaxation techniques such as bio-feedback, or meditation, the intent is to eliminate the immediately stressful situation or manage a prolonged stressful situation more effectively.

Taking it easy may mean curling up with a good book on an easy chair or watching some light programme on television or listening to a light music. Meditation is scientifically proved to be very useful, both physically and mentally to cope with stress.

Behavioural self-control:

By deliberately managing the antecedents and the consequence of their own behaviour, people can achieve self-control. Besides managing their own behaviour to reduce stress, people can also become more aware of their limits and of ‘red flags’ that signal trouble ahead. They can avoid people or situations that they know will put them under stress.

Maladaptive strategies, rigid strategies or relying on one type of coping method lead to increase in the stress. Social support helps reduce the effect of stress. People may provide help, advice, material support or moral support that helps to reduce stress.

In addition to the above, psychotherapy (Beck’s cognitive therapy, Ellis’s rational emotive therapy and Meichenbaum’s stress- inoculation training), skill training, environmental changes, Bio-feedback (control of physical signs such as Blood pressure, headache, etc), family therapy, group therapy, hypnosis, yoga, are found to be very useful. Finally, uses of drugs are some of the other strategies adopted in coping with stress.

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How to manage and reduce stress

This content discusses depression, anxiety and alcohol or drug use, which some people may find triggering.

This guide provides you with tips on how to manage and reduce stress

Stress is a feeling of being under abnormal pressure, whether from an increased workload, an argument with a family member, or financial worries.

You can read the guide below, download it as a PDF or buy printed copies in our online shop .

What is stress?

Stress affects us in lots of ways, both physically and emotionally, and in varying intensities.

Research has shown that stress can sometimes be positive. It makes us more alert and helps us perform better in certain situations. However, stress has only been found to be beneficial if it is short-lived. Excessive or prolonged stress can lead to illnesses such as heart disease and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression .

During situations that make you feel threatened or upset, your body creates a stress response. This can cause a variety of physical symptoms, change the way you behave, and lead you to experience more intense emotions.

Physical symptoms of stress

People react differently to stress. Some common symptoms of stress include sleeping problems, sweating, or a change in appetite.

Symptoms like these are triggered by a rush of stress hormones in your body which, when released, allow you to deal with pressures or threats. This is known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. Hormones called adrenaline and noradrenaline raise your blood pressure, increase your heart rate and increase the amount you sweat. This prepares your body for an emergency response. These hormones can also reduce blood flow to your skin and reduce your stomach activity. Cortisol, another stress hormone, releases fat and sugar into your system to boost your energy.

As a result, you may experience headaches, muscle tension, pain, nausea, indigestion and dizziness. You may also breathe more quickly, have palpitations or suffer from various aches and pains. In the long term, you may be putting yourself at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Humans have inherited these things from our ancient ancestors, who needed to be able to either run away from danger or stay and fight. Once the pressure or threat has passed, your stress hormone levels usually return to normal. However, if you’re constantly under stress, these hormones remain in your body, leading to the symptoms of stress. If you’re stuck in a busy office or on an overcrowded train, you can’t run away, so you can’t use up the chemicals your own body makes to protect you. Over time, the build-up of these chemicals and the changes they produce can be damaging to your health.

Behavioural and emotional effects of stress

When you are stressed you may have lots of different feelings, including anxiety, irritability or low self-esteem, which can lead you to become withdrawn, indecisive or tearful.

You may have periods of constant worry, racing thoughts, or repeatedly going over the same things in your head. Some people experience changes in their behaviour. They may lose their temper more easily, act irrationally or become more verbally or physically aggressive. These feelings can feed on each other and produce physical symptoms, which can make you feel even worse. For example, extreme anxiety can make you feel so unwell that you then worry you have a serious physical condition.

Identifying the signs of stress

Everyone experiences stress. However, when it affects your life, health and well-being, it’s important to tackle it as soon as possible. While stress affects everyone differently, there are common signs and symptoms for you to look out for:

• Feelings of constant worry or anxiety
• Feelings of being overwhelmed
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings or changes in mood
• Irritability or having a short temper
• Difficulty relaxing
• Low self-esteem
• Eating more or less than usual
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs to relax
• Aches and pains, particularly muscle tension
• Diarrhoea and constipation
• Feelings of nausea or dizziness
• Loss of sex drive

If you experience these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and feel they are affecting your everyday life or making you feel unwell, speak to your GP. Ask them for information about the support services and treatments available to you.

What causes stress?

All sorts of situations can cause stress. The most common involve work, money matters and relationships with partners, children or other family members.

Stress can be caused either by major upheavals and life events such as divorce, unemployment, moving house and bereavement, or by a series of minor irritations such as feeling undervalued at work or arguing with a family member. Sometimes, there are no obvious causes. As a result, you may experience headaches, muscle tension, pain, nausea, indigestion and dizziness. You may also breathe more quickly, have palpitations or suffer from various aches and pains. In the long term, you may be putting yourself at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Relationships and stress

Relationships are a great support in times when we feel stressed. However, from time to time the people close to you, be it a partner, parent, child, friend or colleague, can increase your stress levels.

Events such as ongoing minor arguments and disagreements, to larger family crises, such as an affair, illness or bereavement are likely to affect the way you think, feel and behave. This may consequently have an impact on your stress levels. Find out more about investing in healthy relationships .

Work-life balance and stress

The pressure of an increasingly demanding work culture in the UK is one of the biggest contributors to stress among the general population.

While current, average full-time working hours are 37 hours a week, a recent and dramatic rise in Britain’s working hours suggests this is already on the increase. 20.1% of the UK working population work 45 hours or more each week.

The human costs of unmanaged work-related stress is extensive. Feeling unhappy about the amount of time you spend at work and neglecting other aspects of life because of work may increase your vulnerability to stress. Increased levels of stress can, if not addressed early enough, lead to burnout or more severe mental health problems.

Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are thought to be the leading cause of work absences, accounting for up to 40% of sick leave. In 2008, mental health accounted for 442,000 cases of work-related illness with a related estimated cost of £13.5 million. As a result, mental ill-health now accounts for a significant proportion of long-term sickness and early retirement, cited as the leading cause of illness for 20% of NHS employees.

Money and stress

Money and debt concerns place huge pressure on us, so it comes as no surprise that they have a marked effect on our stress levels.

The effects of the cost-of-living crisis in 2022 has affected everyone in some capacity. A survey of 3000 adults commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation in November 2022 found that one in ten UK adults was feeling hopeless about their financial circumstances. More than one-third were feeling anxious and almost three in ten were feeling stressed.

The combination of chronic stress and debt can result in depression and anxiety and has been highlighted as a factor linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts. It’s important if you are worried about your finances and debts that you do not try to deal with them alone. There’s a lot of help and support available to you through organisations such as StepChange and Citizens Advice .

You could also talk to your GP or a trusted health professional if you are worried about how debt is affecting your mental and physical health.

Smoking, drinking and drug use and stress

Some people smoke, drink alcohol and use recreational drugs to reduce stress. But, this often makes problems worse.

Research shows that smoking may increase feelings of anxiety. Nicotine creates an immediate, temporary, sense of relaxation, which can then lead to withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Similarly, people may use alcohol as a means to manage and cope with difficult feelings, and to temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety. But, alcohol can make existing mental health problems worse. It can make you feel more anxious and depressed in the long run. It’s important to know the recommended limits and drink responsibly.

Prescription drugs , such as tranquillisers and sleeping tablets, which may have been prescribed for very good reasons, can also cause mental and physical health problems if used for long periods of time. Street drugs , such as cannabis or ecstasy, are usually taken for recreational purposes. For some people, problems start as their bodies get used to repeated use of the drug. This leads to the need for increased doses to maintain the same effect

How can you help yourself with stress?

Stress is a natural reaction to difficult situations in life, such as work, family, relationships and money problems.

We mentioned earlier on that a moderate amount of stress can help us perform better in challenging situations, but too much or prolonged stress can lead to physical problems. This can include lower immunity levels, digestive and intestinal difficulties such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or mental health problems such as depression. So, it’s important that we manage our stress and keep it at a healthy level to prevent long-term damage to our bodies and minds.

When you are feeling stressed, try to take these steps:

• Realise when it is causing you a problem. You need to make the connection between feeling tired or ill, with the pressures you are faced with. Don’t ignore physical warnings such as tense muscles, over-tiredness, headaches or migraines.
• Identify the causes. Try to identify the underlying causes. Group the possible reasons for your stress into those with a practical solution, those that will get better anyway given time, and those you can’t do anything about. Try to let go of those in the second and third groups – there’s no point in worrying about things you can’t change or things that will sort themselves out.
• Review your lifestyle. Are you taking on too much? Are there things you are doing which could be handed over to someone else? Can you do things in a more leisurely way? You may need to prioritise things you are trying to achieve and reorganise your life so that you are not trying to do everything at once.

You can also help protect yourself from stress in a number of ways:

• Eat healthily. A healthy diet will reduce the risks of diet-related diseases. Also, there is a growing amount of evidence showing how food affects our mood. Feelings of well-being can be protected by ensuring that our diet provides adequate amounts of brain nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals, as well as water.
• Be aware of your smoking and drinking . Even though they may seem to reduce tension, this is misleading as they often make problems worse.
• Exercise. Physical exercise can be very effective in relieving stress. Even going out to get some fresh air and doing some light physical exercise, like walking to the shops, can help.
• Take time out. Take time to relax. Saying ‘I just can’t take the time off’ is no use if you are forced to take time off later through ill health. Striking a balance between responsibility to others and responsibility to yourself is important in reducing stress levels.
• Be mindful. Mindfulness meditation can be practised anywhere at any time. Research has suggested that it can reduce the effects of stress, anxiety and other related problems such as insomnia, poor concentration and low moods, in some people. The ‘Be Mindful’ website features a specially-developed online course in mindfulness, as well as details of local courses in your area.
• Get restful sleep. Sleeping problems are common when you’re suffering from stress. Try to make sure you get enough rest. For more tips on getting a good night’s sleep, read our guide ‘How to...sleep better’ .
• Don’t be too hard on yourself. Try to keep things in perspective. After all, we all have bad days.

Seeking help for stress

It’s okay to ask for professional help if you feel that you are struggling to manage on your own. It’s also important to get help as soon as possible so you can begin to get better.

The first person to approach is your GP . They should be able to give you advice about treatment, and may refer you to another local professional. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness -based approaches are known to help reduce stress. There are also a number of voluntary organisations which can help you to tackle the causes of stress and advise you about ways to get better.

• Every Mind Matters - The Mental Health Foundation supported the development of the Every Mind Matters stress resource, it offers advice on how to cope with stress.
• Anxiety UK - runs a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety.
• Citizens Advice - provides free, independent and confidential advice for a range of problems as well as providing information on your rights and responsibilities.
• StepChange - provides help and information for people dealing with a range of debt problems.
• Samaritans - offer emotional support 24 hours a day - in full confidence.
• Specialist mental health services - there are a variety of specialist services that provide a range of treatments, including counselling and other talking therapies . These different services are often coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT), which is usually based either at a hospital or a local community mental health centre.

Some teams provide 24-hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis. You should be able to contact your local CMHT through your local social services or social work team.

101 tips from you

We’d like to thank everyone who contributed some brilliant tips on how to manage stress. Everybody is different and what works for one person might not work for another. Here are 101 tips, find what works for you and give them a try.

• Meeting a friend
• Setting aside 10 minutes a day to relax and collect my thoughts
• Watching late night TV debates that deal with the realities of the world
• Listening to relaxing music
• Watching funny movies
• Taking a walk in the countryside
• Going to the gym
• Soaking in the bath with lavender oil
• Talking to someone just to vent a little
• Walking the dog
• Getting more sleep
• Reading a book to distract yourself from stressful thoughts
• Do something good for someone else
• Writing a letter to someone to get your feelings across and vent, but not actually sending it
• Painting or drawing
• Book a massage or spend time in a spa with a friend
• Write a list of things to do and cross them off as you do them
• Try putting things into perspective
• Switch off the phone and get some time to yourself
• Do something you like with family or friends like going to a show
• Dancing around in your room to your favourite music
• Going to your friend’s house with another friend and putting the world to rights
• Have a change of scenery
• Go out and meet new people
• Go to a yoga class
• Express your feelings and emotions
• Spend time with positive people around you
• A hot cup of something wonderful, a journal and a pen
• Eat a healthy meal and avoid caffeine
• Getting closer with nature e.g. have a walk on the beach, observing the sunset
• Watch your favourite programme on TV
• Give yourself ‘me time’ just a few minutes to think about pleasant things
• Ask yourself what would other people do
• Thinking of the work you HAVE achieved in a day, rather than what you haven’t done
• Relaxing with reflexology
• Go to uplifting plays, operas and concerts that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up
• Go to bed with a great book 40
• Host a dinner party
• Cheer up someone who is feeling down
• Spend some time doing something you enjoy, like gardening
• Writing down my thoughts
• Play games on the computer
• Avoid putting things off
• Find a quiet place and try to visualise a happy memory
• Do something creative like knitting
• Play a musical instrument
• Play with your pet
• Get some fresh air
• Be gentle to yourself
• Go window shopping
• Write short stories
• Call a loved one
• Talk to a stranger
• Practice CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy)
• Chat to your friends on Skype or Facebook
• Take a break, even a short one can make a difference
• Going for a walk at lunchtime
• Write poetry
• Eat or drink something you enjoy
• Cuddle a baby (ideally one you know - cuddles with my niece or nephew are amazing for destressing)
• Spend time with children – they really put things in perspective, like ‘Wow there’s a cool cloud’, and remind you of simple things that used to amaze you
• Go out to a Karaoke night
• Imagine living in a different era, maybe wartime or before cars and trains were invented and how much harder life would be
• Bake a cake
• Sitting in a café with a cup of tea and a magazine
• Go for a relaxing swim
• Sit on a park bench and watch the world go by
• Tidy a room or cupboard (other people might find this stressful, but I find it relaxing!)
• Challenge a friend to a game of Scrabble
• Breathe deeply for two minutes, and focus on your breaths
• Make something – knit a scarf, build an Airfix model
• Write a list of the reasons you have to be happy with life
• Take a minute to stretch your body
• Use a relaxing room fragrance or scented candle to create a sense of sanctuary
• Practicing Tai Chi
• Looking at photos of happy memories.
• Have a cup of tea
• Thinking of something you’re looking forward to or something that was fun
• Go to the cinema
• Aquafit classes at lunchtime
• Go for a bike ride
• Listen to the birds singing
• Reminding yourself it could be worse and count your blessings
• Playing board games with your family
• Playing my favourite song and singing it out loud
• Practising calligraphy
• I find moving furniture around the house very soothing
• Write a letter to a loved one
• Play with my children
• Watch some programs on TV
• Go out for a run in the park
• Volunteer at the local homeless shelter, it helps put my worries into perspective
• Play Sudoku or crosswords
• Read some gossip magazines
• Go to a salsa class
• Get a cuddle

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• Stress management

Stress relievers: Tips to tame stress

Stress getting to you? Try some of these tips for stress relief.

Is stress making you angry and grouchy? Stress relievers can help bring back calm and peace to your busy life. You don't have to put a lot of time or thought into stress relievers. If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.

Almost any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. Even if you're not an athlete or you're out of shape, exercise can still be a good stress reliever.

Physical activity can pump up your feel-good endorphins and other natural neural chemicals that boost your sense of well-being. Exercise also can refocus your mind on your body's movements. This refocus can improve your mood and help the day's irritations fade away. So go on a walk, take a jog, work in your garden, clean your house, bike, swim, weight train, vacuum or do anything else that gets you active.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking care of yourself. Aim to eat many fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Avoid unhealthy habits

Some people may deal with stress with unhealthy habits. These may include drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, smoking, eating too much, or using illegal substances. These habits can harm your health and increase your stress levels.

During meditation, you focus your attention and quiet the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can help both your emotional well-being and your overall health. Meditation can empower us to enhance our well-being.

You can practice guided meditation, guided imagery, mindfulness, visualization and other forms of meditation anywhere at any time. For example, you could meditate when you're out for a walk, riding the bus to work or waiting at your health care provider's office. Try an app to show you how to do these exercises. And you can try deep breathing anywhere.

A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments. But it can help you feel better, even if you have to force a fake laugh through your grumpiness. When you laugh, it lightens your mental load. It also causes positive physical changes in the body. Laughter fires up and then cools down your stress response.

So read some jokes, tell some jokes, watch a comedy or hang out with your funny friends. Or give laughter yoga a try.

Connect with others

When you're stressed and irritable, you may want to isolate yourself. Instead, reach out to family and friends and make social connections. Even one good friend who listens can make a difference.

Social contact is a good stress reliever because it can offer distraction, give support, and help you put up with life's up and downs. So take a coffee break with a friend, email a relative or visit your place of worship.

Got more time? Try volunteering for a charity and help yourself while helping others.

Assert yourself

You might want to do it all, but you can't, at least not without paying a price. Learning to say no or being willing to delegate can help you manage your to-do list and your stress. Healthy boundaries are important in a wellness journey. Everyone has physical and emotional limits.

Saying yes may seem like an easy way to keep the peace, prevent conflicts and get the job done right. But instead, it may cause you inner conflict because your needs and those of your family come second. Putting yourself second can lead to stress, anger, resentment and even the wish to take revenge. And that's not a very calm and peaceful reaction. Remember, you're a priority.

With its series of postures and breathing exercises, yoga is a popular stress reliever. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you reach peace of body and mind. Yoga can help you relax and ease stress and anxiety.

Try yoga on your own or find a class — you can find classes in many areas. Hatha yoga, especially, is a good stress reliever because of its slower pace and easier movements.

Get enough sleep

Stress can cause you to have trouble falling asleep. When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep can suffer. But sleep is the time when your brain and body recharge. Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

And how well and how long you sleep can affect your mood, energy level, focus and overall functioning. If you have sleep troubles, make sure that you have a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine. For example, listen to soothing music, make sure the area you sleep in is cool, dark and quiet, put phones and tablets away, and stick to a regular schedule.

Keep a journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a good release for otherwise pent-up feelings. Don't think about what to write — let it happen. Write anything that comes to mind. No one else needs to read it. So don't aim for perfect grammar or spelling.

Let your thoughts flow on paper, or on the computer screen. Once you're done, you can toss out what you wrote or save it to think about later.

Get musical and be creative

Listening to or playing music is a good stress reliever. It can provide a mental distraction, lessen muscle tension and lower stress hormones. Turn up the volume and let your mind be absorbed by the music.

If music isn't one of your interests, turn your attention to another hobby you enjoy. For example, try gardening, sewing, reading or sketching. Or try anything that makes you focus on what you're doing rather than what you think you should be doing.

Seek counseling

If new stressors are making it hard for you to cope or if self-care measures aren't relieving your stress, you may want to think about therapy or counseling. Therapy also may be a good idea if you feel overwhelmed or trapped. You also may think about therapy if you worry a great deal, or if you have trouble carrying out daily routines or meeting duties at work, home or school.

Professional counselors or therapists can help you find the sources of your stress and learn new coping tools.

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• How stress affects your health. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress.aspx. Accessed Jan. 24, 2023.
• Relaxation techniques: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https:// www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 23, 2023.
• Meditation and mindfulness: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 23, 2023.
• Yoga: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 23, 2023.
• Stress and your health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/stress-and-your-health. Accessed Jan. 23, 2023.
• I'm so stressed out! Fact sheet. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet. Accessed Jan. 24, 2023.
• Seaward BL. Essentials of Managing Stress. 5th ed. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2021.
• Creagan ET (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 8, 2023.
• A very happy brain
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• Bridge pose
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• COVID-19 and your mental health
• Does stress make rheumatoid arthritis worse?
• Downward-facing dog
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• Manage stress to improve psoriatic arthritis symptoms
• Mayo Clinic Minute: Meditation is good medicine
• Mountain pose
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• Seated spinal twist
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• Support groups
• Tips for easing stress when you have Crohn's disease

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Stress Management — Stress Cause And Effect

Stress Cause and Effect

• Categories: Mental Health Stress Management

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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Table of contents

Causes of stress, effects of stress.

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Navigating Life's Challenges: Understanding and Managing Stress

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5 ways to escape “survival mode” and reduce stress at work

• Stress at work can push our nervous systems into “survival mode,” leading to a perpetual feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Techniques for switching off survival mode can easily be woven into our daily routines.
• These strategies include “4×4 breathing,” visualization, and avoidance of schedule compression.

Stress at work is something we’ve all experienced, but when it becomes a constant, unrelenting presence, it can push our nervous systems into what’s known as “survival mode.” This state is characterized by heightened anxiety, decreased focus, and a perpetual feeling of being overwhelmed. Left unchecked it can lead to decreased productivity, burnout, and even physical health issues. The good news is that there are practical, straightforward steps you can take to break free from survival mode and bring your stress levels back under control.

The techniques and strategies shared below draw from a deep understanding of how our nervous system works and are designed to be simple enough to incorporate into your daily routine. Whether you’re dealing with a particularly stressful period at work or looking to build resilience for the long term, these strategies can help you move out of survival mode and into a state of calm, focused productivity.

#1. Practice 4×4 breathing

One of the quickest and most effective ways to calm your nervous system is through controlled breathing. The 4×4 breathing technique is a simple method you can use anytime, anywhere to bring your body out of a stress response and back to a state of balance.

To practice this, inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four, and then hold your breath again for a count of four. Repeat this cycle four times. This technique works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and recovery. When you’re stressed, your body is likely in a version of “fight, flight or freeze,” which can result in poor breathing patterns. The 4×4 technique counteracts this by slowing down your breath and creating a rhythm that signals to your brain that you’re safe, allowing your body to relax.

This practice can be used in all sorts of situations. It can be effective in helping to calm anxiety before a meeting or presentation or help you regain your focus when you find yourself procrastinating.

#2. Take strategic movement breaks

Sitting for long periods can exacerbate stress and keep your body in survival mode. We were meant to resolve stressful situations by moving (like running away from a saber tooth tiger) not by staying stuck in a chair typing. Regular movement is essential for keeping your nervous system regulated and your stress levels in check. Instead of waiting until the end of the day to move, take short, strategic movement breaks every hour.

Here are three exercises that discharge and soothe the nervous system that you can try:

• Stomping : Stand up and stomp your feet firmly on the ground for 30 seconds. This exercise helps discharge pent-up energy and tension from your body, grounding you in the present moment. It’s particularly effective when you’re feeling agitated or restless.
• Tapping : Use your fingertips to slap rhythmically along your body, starting from your chest, working out to your arms, then from your abdomen down your legs. Pay extra attention to areas where you feel tension, like your shoulders or back. Tapping stimulates circulation and helps release stress held in the muscles, bringing your body back to a state of balance.
• Walking meetings : Zoom and other video conferencing-based meetings have become standard since the pandemic, but they don’t have to be. Whenever practical, take your meetings by phone (or in person) and walk while conducting them. 

These movement breaks help to release built-up tension in your muscles, improve circulation, and give your mind a chance to reset. By making movement a part of your day, you can keep stress levels in check and maintain a balanced state throughout your workday.

#3. Use visualization to transition between tasks

Transitioning from one task to another without a mental break can keep your nervous system on high alert, perpetuating stress. Visualization is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you mentally and physically reset between tasks.

Here’s how to practice it. Before starting a new task, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Visualize a peaceful place — this could be a beach, a forest, or any place where you feel calm and relaxed. Imagine yourself in this place, paying close attention to what you can see, smell, hear, and feel as if you were really there. Maintain your visualization and attention on the sensory experience and notice your body respond in a positive way. Stay with this positive experience for approximately 60 seconds. 

This brief mental break helps your brain transition from one state to another, allowing you to let go of any residual stress from the previous task. Visualization can be particularly effective when you’re moving from a high-stress activity to something that requires focus and creativity. By giving your mind a moment to reset, you’ll find it easier to approach the next task with a calm and clear mindset.

#4. Defend your time and avoid schedule compression 

Stress turns into survival mode when we feel overwhelmed, often because we’re trying to do too much at once. While it’s true that you have a lot on your plate, the belief that it all needs to be done simultaneously or under unrealistic deadlines is not only often untrue but also negotiable. Setting realistic timelines with yourself and your colleagues is critical to managing stress.

Another key strategy is to avoid compressing your schedule. Don’t pack back-to-back meetings or commitments into your calendar. Instead, give yourself at least 15 minutes between events. This buffer time allows you to consciously pivot rather than reactively scramble from one task to the next. Use this time to do any of the previous techniques, review your notes, or simply decompress before jumping into the next item on your agenda.

By defending your time in this way, you create a more manageable flow to your day, reducing the sense of being overwhelmed and helping you stay in control. This practice not only reduces stress but also enhances your ability to perform at your best throughout the day.

#5. Optimize OOO time for recovery and set clear boundaries with technology

Since work is unavoidably stressful, we need to do everything we can to shift out of “productivity mode” when not at work (i.e evenings, mornings, weekends, vacations). Nowadays, the biggest obstacles to making the best of our downtime are our phones. Constant connectivity can keep your nervous system in a perpetual state of stress. Setting clear boundaries with technology is crucial for reducing stress and preventing burnout.

Some tried-and-true approaches include batching, turning off push notifications, taking phone-less lunches, and setting up “tech-free” windows:

• Batching is the practice of scheduling specific times to check emails and messages, rather than responding immediately to every notification. 
• Turning off push notifications is no-brainer. Most of us already reach for our phone often enough when its not calling out attention with a “ding.” By turning off all non-essential notifications, we can insulate ourselves from excessive distractions. 
• Take your lunch break without your phone. Use this time to eat mindfully, take a walk, or simply relax without the constant pull of technology. 
• Finally, set “tech-free” time both at the end of and before your workday, allowing at least an hour after waking, and before bed, without screens.

Work is inherently stressful, but non-work time should not be. It’s essential to maximize your pre- and post-work times for relaxation and recovery, and a huge part of that is staying away from tech and the addiction to keep engaging. These boundaries help you reclaim control over your time and attention, which can significantly reduce work-related stress. When you’re not constantly reacting to notifications, you give your nervous system a chance to shift out of survival mode and truly recover. This practice not only reduces stress but also improves your overall productivity and well-being.

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What is stress?

Eustress vs. distress, how stress can make you sick, signs and symptoms of chronic stress, causes of stress.

• What's stressful for you?

How much stress is too much?

Improving your ability to handle stress, stress symptoms, signs, and causes.

Chronic stress can take a heavy toll on your mind, body, and behavior. But by identifying the stressors in your life, and distinguishing eustress from distress, you can reduce its harmful effects.

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response.”

The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life—giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid a car accident.

Stress can have other positive aspects, sometimes referred to as “eustress.” For example, it can help you rise to meet challenges such as keeping you on your toes during a presentation at work, sharpening your concentration when you’re attempting a game-winning free throw, or driving you to study for an exam when you’d rather be watching TV.

But while not all stress is bad for you, beyond a certain point, it stops being helpful and starts to cause major damage. Stress that feels overwhelming can have a negative impact on your health, mood, productivity, relationships, and your quality of life.

If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance. You can protect yourself—and improve how you think and feel—by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

How stress works: The stress response

When you feel threatened or in danger, your body’s stress or “fight or flight” response is automatically triggered. Your nervous system releases a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action.

Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed up your reaction time, and enhance your focus—preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand.

Stress doesn’t always look stressful

Psychologist Connie Lillas uses a driving analogy to describe the three most common ways people respond when they’re overwhelmed by stress:

Foot on the gas . An angry, agitated, or “fight” stress response. You’re heated, keyed up, overly emotional, and unable to sit still.

Foot on the brake . A withdrawn, depressed, or “flight” stress response. You shut down, pull away, space out, and show very little energy or emotion.

Foot on both . A tense or “freeze” stress response. You become frozen under pressure and can’t do anything. You look paralyzed, but under the surface you’re extremely agitated.

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It can be helpful to think of stress as being on a spectrum. At one end, you have “eustress” or positive stress, the manageable levels of stress that can motivate you to meet challenges at work, school, or in your personal life. While eustress may take you out of your comfort zone, it can help you to meet the challenge of a job interview or first date, for example, or complete a project at school or work that means stretching yourself and learning new skills.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have “distress,” the stress that makes you feel overwhelmed. This negative stress can damage your mood and outlook, disrupt your sleep, and trigger health issues such as depression and anxiety. Distress occurs when you feel you’re under more stress than you can handle, whether it’s from feeling too busy at work, not having enough money, or suffering an illness or bereavement.

Everyone experiences stress differently

Your individual perception of stress can also affect whether you experience positive eustress or negative distress in a situation. For example, if an impending work deadline leaves you feeling worried, exhausted, and overwhelmed by, you’ll likely experience distress. On the other hand, if you the same impending deadline makes you feel excited about the positive affect it could have on your career, then stress you experience is more likely to be eustress, motivating and helpful.

Similarly, something that’s stressful for one person may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it. While some of us are terrified of getting up in front of people to speak, for example, others live for the spotlight. And while you may enjoy helping to care for your elderly parents, your siblings may find the demands of caretaking overwhelming and stressful.

Your nervous system isn’t very good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats. If you’re super stressed over an argument with a friend, a work deadline, or a mountain of bills, your body can react just as strongly as if you’re facing a true life-or-death situation. And the more your emergency stress system is activated, the easier it becomes to trigger, making it harder to shut off.

If you tend to get stressed out frequently, like many of us in today’s demanding world, your body may exist in a heightened state of stress most of the time. And that can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speed up the aging process. It can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Health problems caused or exacerbated by stress include:

• Depression and anxiety.
• Pain of any kind.
• Sleep problems, such as insomnia.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Digestive problems.
• Skin conditions, such as eczema, stress rash, or hives.
• Heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Weight problems.
• Reproductive issues.
• Thinking and memory problems.

When you’re stressed out, the hormones produced by your body in a stressful situation can trigger a variety of physical and emotional responses.

• You may feel sick or dizzy, anxious, worried, or nervous, or become tense, angry, short-tempered, or even despairing.
• Physically, you may react by sweating excessively, experiencing muscle aches, chest pains, blurred eyesight, or itchy skin.

But many symptoms of stress can be less immediately noticeable. That’s because the most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. In fact, many of us simply get used to it. After a while, feeling constantly stressed can start to feel familiar, even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll on your health and well-being.

That’s why it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms of excessive stress. These include:

Cognitive symptoms:

• Memory problems.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Poor judgment.
• Seeing only the negative.
• Anxious or racing thoughts.
• Constant worrying.

Emotional symptoms:

• Depression or general unhappiness.
• Anxiety and agitation.
• Moodiness, irritability, or anger.
• Feeling overwhelmed.
• Loneliness and isolation.
• Other mental or emotional health problems.

Physical symptoms:

• Aches and pains.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Nausea, dizziness.
• Chest pain, rapid heart rate.
• Loss of sex drive.
• Frequent colds or flu.

Behavioral symptoms:

• Eating more or less.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Withdrawing from others.
• Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities.
• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax.
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing).

Is it stress or anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are closely connected. They share many similar symptoms, such as muscle tension, moodiness, and sleep, concentration, and digestive problems. In fact, overwhelming stress can even lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

However, stress is often caused by a specific trigger or “stressor,” such as work pressure, a break-up, or financial problems. Once the circumstances change, the stress usually starts to ease up.

An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily have a specific trigger and the feelings of unease often remain even when the circumstances have changed and the stressor is resolved.

Read: Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks .

The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on you can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.

Of course, not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be internal or self-generated, when you worry excessively about something that may or may not happen, or have irrational, pessimistic thoughts about life.

Finally, what causes stress depends, at least in part, on your perception of it. Something that’s stressful to you may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it. While some of us are terrified of getting up in front of people to perform or speak, for example, others live for the spotlight. Where one person thrives under pressure and performs best in the face of a tight deadline, another will shut down when work demands escalate. And while you may enjoy helping to care for your elderly parents, your siblings may find the demands of caretaking overwhelming and stressful.

Common external causes of stress include:

• Major life changes.
• Work or school problems.
• Relationship difficulties.
• Financial troubles.
• Being too busy.
• Children and family.

Common internal causes of stress include:

• Pessimism, a negative outlook on life.
• Inability to accept uncertainty.
• Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility.
• Negative self-talk.
• Unrealistic expectations/perfectionism.
• All-or-nothing attitude.

Top 10 stressful life events

According to the widely validated Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, these are the top ten stressful life events for adults that can contribute to illness:

• Death of a spouse
• Marriage separation
• Imprisonment
• Death of a close family member
• Injury or illness
• Marriage reconciliation

What’s stressful for you?

Whatever event or situation is stressing you out, there are ways of coping with the problem and regaining your balance. Some of life’s most common sources of stress include:

Stress at work

While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and performance, impact your physical and emotional health, and affect your relationships and home life. It can even determine the difference between success and failure on the job. Whatever your ambitions or work demands, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress, improve your job satisfaction, and bolster your well-being in and out of the workplace.

Job loss and unemployment stress

Losing a job is one of life’s most stressful experiences. It’s normal to feel angry, hurt, or depressed, grieve for all that you’ve lost, or feel anxious about what the future holds. Job loss and unemployment involves a lot of change all at once, which can rock your sense of purpose and self-esteem. While the stress can seem overwhelming, there are many steps you can take to come out of this difficult period stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed sense of purpose.

Financial stress

Many of us, from all over the world and from all walks of life, are having to deal with financial stress and uncertainty at this difficult time. Whether your problems stem from a loss of work, escalating debt, unexpected expenses, or a combination of factors, financial worry is one of the most common stressors in modern life. But there are ways to get through these tough economic times, ease stress and anxiety, and regain control of your finances.

No matter how much you’ve been looking forward to it, retiring from work can bring stress as well as benefits. Escaping the daily grind and a long commute can seem like a great relief at first. But after a few months you may miss the sense of identity, meaning, and purpose that came with work, the structure it gave your days, and the social aspect of having co-workers. To help you through the stress of retirement , there are healthy ways to make adjustments and deal with this major life change.

Caregiver stress

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel that you’re in over your head or have little control over the situation. If the stress of caregiving is left unchecked, it can take a toll on your health, relationships, and state of mind — eventually leading to burnout. However, there are plenty of things you can do to rein in the stress of caregiving and regain a sense of balance, joy, and hope in your life.

Grief and loss

Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest stressors. Often, the pain and stress of loss can feel overwhelming . You may experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions, from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can ease your sadness and help you come to terms with your loss, find new meaning, and move on with your life.

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is “too much” differs from person to person. Some people seem to be able to roll with life’s punches, while others tend to crumble in the face of small obstacles or frustrations. Some people even thrive on the excitement of a high-stress lifestyle.

Factors that influence your stress tolerance level include:

Your support network . A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against stress. When you have people you can count on, life’s pressures don’t seem as overwhelming. On the flip side, the lonelier and more isolated you are, the greater your risk of succumbing to stress.

Your sense of control . If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to influence events and persevere through challenges, it’s easier to take stress in stride. On the other hand, if you believe that you have little control over your life—that you’re at the mercy of your environment and circumstances—stress is more likely to knock you off course.

Your attitude and outlook . The way you look at life and its inevitable challenges makes a huge difference in your ability to handle stress. If you’re generally hopeful and optimistic, you’ll be less vulnerable. Stress-hardy people tend to embrace challenges, have a stronger sense of humor, believe in a higher purpose, and accept change as an inevitable part of life.

Your ability to deal with your emotions . If you don’t know how to calm and soothe yourself when you’re feeling sad, angry, or troubled, you’re more likely to become stressed and agitated. Having the ability to  identify and deal appropriately with your emotions can increase your tolerance to stress and help you bounce back from adversity.

Your knowledge and preparation . The more you know about a stressful situation, including how long it will last and what to expect, the easier it is to cope. For example, if you go into surgery with a realistic picture of what to expect post-op, a painful recovery will be less stressful than if you were expecting to bounce back immediately.

How well do you handle stress in your life?

Ask yourself which of these statements apply to you:

• I have people I confide in when I’m feeling under pressure who make me feel better.
• I feel comfortable expressing how I feel when something is bothering me.
• In general, I feel in control of my life and confident in my ability to handle what comes my way.
• I find reasons to laugh and feel grateful, even when going through difficulties.
• No matter how busy I am, I make it a priority to sleep, exercise, and eat right.
• I’m able to calm myself down when I start to feel overwhelmed.

Each “yes” answer represents an important stress coping skill. Each “no” represents an area to work on to better deal with stress and become more resilient.

Improving how well you handle stress means building your resilience. The more resilient you are, the better you’re able to not just tolerate stress, but also cope with uncertainty and adversity, and rebound from setbacks in life.

Resilience isn’t a quality that you’re either born with or not. Rather, it’s something that you can learn to build over time.  

Building resilience can help you to:

• Stay focused and productive in stressful circumstances.
• Improve how well you communicate under pressure.
• Feel more confident when facing hardships, setbacks, or uncertainty.
• Maintain control of your emotions when you’re stressed out—even strong ones like anger or despair.

[Read: Surviving Tough Times by Building Resilience]

Tips to relieve stress and build resilience

Get moving . Upping your activity level is one tactic you can employ right now to help relieve stress and start to feel better. Regular exercise can lift your mood and serve as a distraction from worries, allowing you to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed stress. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, swimming, and dancing are particularly effective, especially if you exercise mindfully (focusing your attention on the physical sensations you experience as you move).

Connect to others . The simple act of talking face-to-face with another human can trigger hormones that relieve stress when you’re feeling agitated or insecure. Even just a brief exchange of kind words or a friendly look from another human being can help calm and soothe your nervous system. So, spend time with people who improve your mood and don’t let your responsibilities keep you from having a social life. If you don’t have any close relationships, or your relationships are the source of your stress, make it a priority to build stronger and more satisfying connections .

Engage your senses . Another fast way to relieve stress is by engaging one or more of your senses —sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, or movement. The key is to find the sensory input that works for you. Does listening to an uplifting song make you feel calm? Or smelling ground coffee? Or maybe petting an animal works quickly to make you feel centered? Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Learn to relax . You can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the polar opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities can reduce your everyday stress levels and boost feelings of joy and serenity. They also increase your ability to stay calm and collected under pressure.

Eat a healthy diet . The food you eat can improve or worsen your mood and affect your ability to cope with life’s stressors. Eating a diet full of processed and convenience food, refined carbohydrates, and sugary snacks can worsen symptoms of stress, while a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help you better cope with life’s ups and downs.

Get your rest . Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally. At the same time, chronic stress can disrupt your sleep. Whether you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep so you feel less stressed and more productive and emotionally balanced.

[Read: Stress Management]

More Information

• Stress Management - Enhance your well-being by reducing stress and building resilience. (Harvard Medical School Special Health Report)
• Understanding the Stress Response - Learn what happens in your body when you’re stressed, and how chronic activation of this survival mechanism impairs health. (Harvard Health)
• Stress Effects on the Body - An interactive guide to how stress affects the physical health of your body. (American Psychological Association)
• Stress and Your Health - Learn how stress affects women’s health. (Office on Women’s Health)
• Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. (2013). In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . American Psychiatric Association. Link
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