Stress Management Techniques

Definition Of Stress: Stress may be defined as a physical, chemical or an emotional factor that causes uneasiness and feelings of being not relaxed. It is a normal physical and a psychological feeling to the increasing demands of life.

A Brief Overview; 
Every individual may suffer from stress at some point in their lives and it is a common thinking that there is nothing one can do about stress. The usual day to days problems like paying monthly bills, lack of time to complete a particular task, family responsibilities etc cannot be vanished all of a sudden to get a stress free life. The idea here is to manage stress in a healthy way while dealing with daily responsibilities as well.
Managing stress actually means taking in charge of your thoughts, emotions and schedule in a healthy reasonable way, that can help you deal with the daily problem more easily.

The Physiology of Stress: 
If we need to understand stress it is actually some thing that can interfere with bodily or mental well being. Scientists and physicians use the term stress for any force that impairs the stability of balance of bodily functions. But the point to note here is that not all stress are bad, in fact at times mild degrees of stress and tension can be beneficial.  For example getting stressed out to prepare for the upcoming exams helps a student to prepare more effectively, give more time to study and thus get a good result. Eliminating stress is practically impossible as well as unhealthy. since it is a part of normal life.

Management Of Stress:
When we talk about managing stress it actually means ways to get control over our stress and learn some relaxing techniques. This may help so that the body is not over burdened by the effects of stress so much to cause physical or mental illness.
Here are few techniques that may help:

1. Try To Identify the Source Of Stress: Stress management can usually begin first by identifying the source of stress. it is not as easy as it sounds. Many times the true source of stress is not obvious and also there may be more than one reasons. Writing down a dairy may sometimes help to figure out the problem and work over it. At times the cause may be temporary like a deadline for completing an assignment. This can give some relief thinking that it will be over soon.

2. Organize Yourself: At times things can over burden you just because you have not organized yourself. Take better control of the way you spend your time and energy and the stress can be managed more effectively.

3. Avoid Unhealthy Ways of Coping With Stress: People deal with the day to day stressor in different ways. Some may cope with he stress using unhealthy ways that may give some relief temporarily but are harmful in the long run. Instead of smoking, drinking, using drugs, over or under eating . sleeping for long hours etc try to change the situation in a more healthier way.

4. Learn To Alter The Stressful Situation: many times a stressful situation can not be avoided so learn ways to alter the situation.

Examples: Suppose you are worried and stressed out because of someone at work who is bothering you. You are not in a position to fire out that person but of course you can speak out the problem he is bothering you with. Instead of bottling up the feelings take it out and it will help you feel relaxed.

5. Learn to Say NO:  Whether in your personal or professional life always know and understand your limits. Never knowingly over burden yourself. Never take the responsibility of something which you can never handle.

6. Love Yourself And Stay Positive: Never blame yourself for something you have never done or have no control over. Remember you are a unique individual who is doing all the best one can do. Avoid comparing oneself to others and love the way you are.

7. Exercise: Regular physical activity and exercise is not only good for overall fitness but it all helps in managing emotional stress and tension as well. Exercise aids in relaxation and improves sleep. While doing the exercise one can be taken away from the stressful environment and worrying thoughts.

8. Compromising With the Situation: When you think you can't change the stressor change yourself. View the stressful situation from a positive perspective. Nothing can be perfect. Adjust your standards and you will feel the stress goes away by itself.

9. Get Help from Friends And Family: While in stress never isolate yourself. Discuss your problems with someone you can trust. Many times we can get useful solutions to our problems when it is discussed. Get help with a project which you cannot accomplish alone.

10. Learn to Forget And Forgive: The things happened in the past and could not be should be forgotten. Learn to forgive the mistakes of others and accept the fact that life we live in is not a perfect world.

11. Some Relaxation Techniques: Health professionals and psychologists may advice some relaxation techniques when over stressed, These may include autogenic relaxation, biofeedback imagery yoga deep breathing exercises etc but they need practice and some training.