Fight or flight? What do you do when stress overwhelms you in your life? Not all stress is bad. Consider a sprinter waiting at the starting blocks. He’s stressed, but this stress helps him to focus. Got assigned work with tight deadlines? Doesn’t it help motivate you to complete your tasks more efficiently instead of procrastinating? But stress is supposed to be temporary. When you feel stressed for an extended period of time, you lose all the positive effects. Instead of an increased focus, you can’t concentrate. You get headaches and muscular aches. You feel irritable. Perhaps you start binge eating. Or maybe even avoid food entirely. Worse of all, your health starts failing when you experience chronic stress.
Stress can contribute to serious diseases and health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, as well as skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. There is no way to get rid of stress entirely. Furthermore, good stress is important in our lives. However, stress can and should be managed. Everyone has different ways of dealing and managing stress. Here are 5 helpful ways of managing stress.
- Have some ‘me-time’ daily
Find some time for yourself every day. Turn off your mobile phones, shut off the computer. Just sit, relax, and breathe. Inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Let your mind wander. - Get a hobby
What do you truly enjoy doing? Make it your hobby. Whether it is growing plants or collecting dolls, learn to indulge in it once in a while. It could help you take your mind off the stress. - Spend time with friends
During times of stress, it is very tempting to retreat into our hermit shell and wallow. But what helps more is when we spend time with friends. You’ll feel better afterwards, and will be more ready to take on the challenges in your life. - Eat well
Give your body the nutrients it needs to deal with stress and challenges. Include plenty of fresh, wholesome foods in your diet. - Move about
Take a walk. Jog. Run. Sprint. Swim. Or stretch. Anything to get the blood circulating around your body.
Would you like to make a positive and long-lasting lifestyle change that helps with stress management? Talk to us at +65 6679 7867 about our wellness programmes.