Dealing With Stress

We’ve come across people; or we could be guilty  of making statements such as I’m stressed, I’m going through so much stress, I’m stressed out, there’s so much work, family, career stress……

I fall into this category at times, but the fact is ‘stress exists !!!.’ One school of thought believes it’s a way of life, the other believes it’s absolutely unnecessary. In my opinion, whatever side of the pendulum you are on, stress is so real and some times it pushes you to success, if managed properly.

On the other hand it could be a MAJOR KILLER accompanied with all sorts’ frustration, depression e.tc, if it isn’t handled properly.

What is stress? The NHS (United Kingdom) defines stress as the way that you feel when pressure is placed on you. It goes on further to state, a little bit of pressure can be productive, motivating and aid better performance in daily activities. However, too much or prolonged pressure can lead to stress, which is unhealthy for the mind, body and soul.

This post focuses on the harmful effects and ways of dealing with stress from my perspective.

Some of the symptoms exhibited when you go through so much stress are as follows:

• Panic Attacks
• Heart Pounding
• Shaky hands.
• Poor Concentration
• Irritable
• Unkempt appearance.
• Difficulty in making decisions.
• Constant tiredness.
• Migraine
• Slight breathing problems
• Loss of one’s libido.
• Sleeplessness nights.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sleepless nights

Dealing with stress could be simple and at times very complex. A few examples of events/things contributing to you being stressed out!!! range from worrying about paying your mortgage or rent, to being perfect, raising well behaved children, keeping your job, maintaining a loving relationship with your spouse, the economy, recession, political parties, job promotion, responsibilities etc

Here are a few ways of dealing with stress:

• Identify and recognize your symptoms of stress.
• See what parts of your lifestyle can be changed or improved upon. This could be your schedules, family work, school activities etc.
• Avoid being too competitive.
• Come on!!! Laugh a bit please.
• Don’t be too hard on yourself (one of my favourite quotes which you should be used to by now!!!)
• Be realistic with your expectations.
• Plan and budget your finances.
• Understand the importance of relaxing and there are several ways to relax such as deep breathing, massage, lying down, leisure activities etc.
• Form a habit of exercising.
• Get organised and manage your time properly, giving attention to things that are of high importance.
• Monitor your daily intake of food. Eat healthily and watch your diet, caffeine, alcohol and sugar consumption.
• Sleep (I love my sleep laugh!!!)
• Meet people, go for outings, talk to friends and families. Join support groups. This has a way of enriching physically, mentally and spiritually.
• Deal with your anger and impatience.
• Take life one step at a time.
• Offer help to people who genuinely need it
• Seek professional help when necessary.

There are so many ways of dealing with stress, I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Ayo Olaniyan is a certified Unitive Life Coach, an Accredited Professional Counsellor with the Counselling Society and the editor of The Life Skills Magazine. For further information, please complete this form.

Tagged as: Dealing With Stress, stress