Manage and Cope with Stress Naturally

Stress can be defined as the body’s reaction when faced with adverse situations or circumstances. This reaction is known as ‘fight-or-flight’ reaction and can be both emotional and physical in nature. Stress can also be defined as strained physical, mental or emotional state. When an individual feels threatened, the nervous system produced hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This leads to elevated blood pressure, tightening of muscles, quick breathing, sharpening of senses and much more. Stress is not always bad, in small amount also known as acute stress it can help excite an individual and act as a motivational factor. Also some people naturally perform better under pressure. Stress can be physical or mental in nature. Fatigue and being overworked can cause both physical and mental stress. Some different types of stress are environmental stress which manifests due to issues such as work, family or surroundings; survival stress which happens in case there is a threat of physical harm and internal stress this may happen due to futile worrying or without any particular reason.

Effects and Symptoms of Stress

Being under high amount of stress and that too for prolonged period of time can be real harmful for both physical and mental health of a person. Chronic stress can affect almost each and every system of the body negatively be it immune, digestive, reproductive and other systems. Stress can also increase risk of depression, stroke and heart attack. Many a times it becomes difficult for an individual to recognize that he is under stress as he becomes used to the symptoms and believe them to be natural. Physical symptoms of stress can include accelerated breathing and beating of heart, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of libido, aches and pains, fatigue and much more. Emotional and cognitive symptoms are anxiety, constant worrying, memory issue, depression, irritability and mood swings. Stress can be caused by external factors or can be self-generated too. Many life events such as death, separation, divorce, accident, job loss, retirement, health issues, troubles of near and dear ones can also lead to stress.

How to survive and cope with stress?

The first step of coping with stress is to first recognise that one is dealing with stress. People often turn to alcohol or smoking for temporary relief from stress, which is a bad idea. Making basic lifestyle changes, avoiding stressful situations, spending some leisure time can help relieve stress instantaneously. Having a support structure of family and friends with whom you can share your problems and worries can be a great stress buster too. Cultivate self-confidence and learn to take stress in your stride this can help reduce worries and thus help fight stress. Dealing with issues and emotions and being prepared for eventualities can also help one bounce back. Understanding the fact that worrying about things which are beyond one’s control is a futile exercise can also help reduce stress.

Tips to overcome stress instantaneously

There are few easy ways to overcome and avoid stress. The first and foremost is to maintain overall good health by exercising regularly and consuming a healthy and balanced diet. Exercising and spending time outdoors within nature can help lift the mood of a person and dispel negative thoughts and negativity. Spending time with loved one is also an excellent way to de-stress oneself. Excessive usage of electronic gadgets can also lead to strain and stress, so avoid that too. Any activity that feeds our senses; sight, sound, taste, smell, touch positivity can also help reduce stress. Breathing exercises, yoga and meditation are some other great ways to overcome stress. Taking ample amount of rest and sleep can also help ward of stress.