3 years ago · admin · 0 comments

STRESS – #TWO

Other stress coping mechanisms that may reduce the risk of negative health effects are;

1. Self awareness.  It is paramount to listen to your body’s response under different situations in your life, such as difficulty sleeping, over-eating, and under-eating. Being easily angered, having low energy, experiencing palpitations, constant headaches and stomach aches, increased alcohol and substance abuse.
2. Engage in a relaxing activity. Relaxation and wellness programs greatly mitigate stress in our lives such activities include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, meditation and even talking a nature walk.
3. Stay connected. No man is an island. Have a support system in place, this can be family members, church members or even close friends who can provide emotional support and practical help.
4. Seek help from your health care provider. If you are experience a psychosomatic illness get proper health care. Let the health professional know that you are experiencing stress. Effective treatment is crucial in alleviating the long effects of stress.
5. Have an exercise routine. Plan for exercise as part of your daily activities. Just 30 minutes per day of walking can help boost your mood and improve your health.
6. Eat healthily. We are what we eat. A healthy diet goes a long way to reduce the risk of diet-related diseases. Our diet should have adequate amounts of nutrients as well as essential vitamins and minerals, as well as water to boost our well being and strengthen our immune system.
7. Smoking and drinking. Be aware of your smoking and drinking habits. Try to cut down or eliminate smoking and drinking as these can aggravate stress in your life. Substance abuse may seem to calm down tension but causes more anxiety and stress in the long term.
8. Get adequate sleep. Insomnia is a condition that makes a person to experience sleep problems, this is common when you are experiencing stress. If you are having difficulty sleeping, you can try to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume and avoid too much screen time before bed.
9. Positive self talk.  Self affirmations are a great way of building self-confidence and focusing on the positive side of life. This consequently lowers anxiety and tension that could lead to stress in your life.
10. Take life easy.  Don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on your achievements and strengths. Write down the things you are grateful for each day.

Ultimately, if you are overwhelmed by stress, feel you cannot cope, you are using drugs or alcohol frequently as a result of stress, ask for help, seeking professional help can support you in managing stress effectively.

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