Stress is an unavoidable problem we all have to cope with at some time or another in our lives. whether at home, on the road, or in our workplace – it’s a definitive component of the human experience, especially in the fast-paced, modern era we live in.
When pressure becomes overwhelming, it can make you underperform and can wreak havoc on your physical health as well as your emotional equilibrium.
However, stress is also seen as an essential tool for survival, as it motivates a person’s fight mechanism in response to a dangerous situation, providing it is short lived. This is because if numerous stressors are triggered at the same time, the cumulative effect can lead to poor mental and physical health, which further tends to cause more extensive emotions.
Stress affects a person in many ways and with varying intensities. If you are stressed the first thing one needs to do is to identify the cause. Not taking control and doing nothing will only worsen the condition. So here are seven healthy ways to deal with stress and adopt a positive outlook in life.
Defuse stress with emergency stoppers
If you want to diffuse stress quickly, emergency stress-stoppers can help as a short term solution. Here is a set of different stress-stoppers to use in different situations, either separately or in combination:
- Count to ten before reacting
- Take a few slow deep breaths to calm the body
- Go for a walk
- Try meditation or a quick prayer
- Listen to music or an inspirational podcast.
- Hug a pet or offer help to someone in order to take a break.
- Exercise is a great antidote for stress especially with fitness equipment like dumbbells
Take a free test on 15minutes4me
In order to identify your symptoms and the underlying reasons causing them, 15minutes4me is a daily self-help program that makes you realize you have taken the first positive step forward for more enjoyment in life.
The program works by asking questions that focus on solving your problem. After just fifteen minutes, you will have an idea of what your stress levels are like. The app uses self-control exercises to infuse positive thoughts in persons to make them aware that their issues are curable, using video clips, charts etc.
15minutes4me is online 24×7, seven days a week and one can log in at any time of the day suitable to you. Since there is no need for an appointment, the waiting time is nil. Their program is developed by doctors and is based on scientific studies and can be completed on one’s own or with the help of a family member or friend.
Indulge in stress-busting activities
Even if you are feeling down and out, doing something you enjoy is a great way to become happy and relieve stress. If you are in a bad state of mind, do anything which makes you feel good, even if it is for a short time. You will be surprised to find how quickly you feel good, once the stress cycle has been disrupted by trying some of these stress-relieving activities.
- Play with kids or pets outdoors
- Practice yoga in the open
- Spend time in the garden or do a home improvement project
- Run or ride a bicycle just to uplift the brain
- Read a book or flip through a magazine
- Go out for coffee or a meal with an acquaintance
Accessible, on-demand therapy
Therapy through an online platform or an app is an ideal source of treatment for stress-related issues. The best online therapy plans are especially designed to help people who struggle with daily stress. This is achieved by having a trained counselor who knows how to assist you, and by providing you access to counseling 24/7.
Your online therapist will be able to guide you to the best techniques and strategies which are easy to implement to combat your stress.
If you are looking for support in your area, here are a number of ways your online therapist can help you. Today’s therapists have years of experience working in their different types of fields of therapy. They can provide:
- Progressive relaxation techniques like deep breathing and guided imagery
- Self-hypnosis
- Mindfulness meditation
- Creative arts therapies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Group therapy.
Anti-stress plants
Plants that are widely used in psychotherapy are extremely beneficial as they have an immense source of properties that come in handy to tackle stress, say in times of exams or family-related issues. Also, certain plants can be added as food supplements to ease the strain of stress.
Here is a list of some plants which are best for de-stressing:
- Rhodiola: This golden plant from Siberia, is most commonly used to combat stress, anxiety and mental burnout by surprising production of the primary stress hormone, cortisol.
- Hawthorn: The powerful flavonoids in Hawthorn reduce muscle spasms, nervousness and heart palpitation.
- Lemon balm: This plant is used to induce sleep as it contains ingredients which have antispasmodic effects.
- St John’s Wort: The active ingredients of flavonoids, hyperforin and hyper in St John’s Wort are recommended for anyone suffering from mood swings and depression. Further, the use of this plant has been clinically approved by the WHO.
Use essential oils to relax
Essential oils have special ingredients derived from the roots, leaves and flowers of some fresh plants and are widely used in aromatherapy to calm the body and the nerves. Oils that contain esters or linalool leave a soothing effect on the nervous system, thereby lowering stress levels.
Some best essential oils for calming the body and preventing insomnia are:
- Lavender: Having possibly the most relaxing and powerful fragrance, lavender is the most used oil because of its sedative properties. Lavender also reduces body tension, anxiety and fears. It is also great to sleep better and keep sleep disorders at bay.
- Grain bigarade: Extracted from the leaves of the sour orange tree, grain bigarade has a calming effect on the mind as it fascinates relaxation. The scent reminiscent of orange fights off sadness and mental issues affecting sleep.
- Marjoram: This essential oil of marjoram contains ingredients with analgesic and antispasmodic properties, useful in stoking tensions linked to anxiety and stress.
Connect with others
Having a close friend and an understanding family has far-reaching health benefits, that is why it is essential to maintain a healthy relationship with them at all times. If your social network is strong, it will help you with stress when the going gets tough.
Social support should not be linked to a support group, which is supervised by a mental health care professional. Although both play an important role, you know you are more comfortable in the company of well-wishers, than with a service provider.
Here are some ideas to build a good social support network:
- Join a fitness club: This will not only incorporate physical fitness in your daily routine but provide an opportunity to make friends while you exercise.
- Volunteer: Pick anything which you feel is important, like social service, and get involved. You are certain to meet other like-minded people who cherish such values
- Search online: There are many social networking sites you can browse online to make new friends. There are sites especially earmarked for those who are going through a stressful period. Remember to look for reputable sites and shun requests for personal meetings.
