Stressed out…??

It’s that time of the year when everything seems to be happening in a bit of a frenzy. With the holiday season in sight, most of us are tired (actually exhausted) both physically and emotionally.The cause…stress.  What exactly is stress and how can it be managed in the midst of life’s circumstances?

Most people tend to associate stress with the impact of negative factors in their lives. As true as it is that stress can result from the negative circumstances we face, stress can also be caused by the high points and achievements we experience as well. Basically, stress comes from external forces in life that push our buttons and provoke emotions, whether good or bad. Whenever there are external factors that affect our day to day life and provoke our emotions, stress is likely to result. It can be caused by something as joyful as having a baby or getting married to disheartening situations like writing exams or losing one’s job. But in the midst of all the factors that result in stress and threaten to disrupt our lives, it is important to know how to handle it, and not allow it to overcome you.

One of the most important things involved in stress management which can never be overemphasised is getting enough rest. Not only does a god night’s rest leave you feeling refreshed, it also works wonders for the mind. A lack of sleep may cause you to underperform, forget simple tasks and even have mood swings during the day. Tiredness actually increases one’s stress levels and can result in irrational thinking. Sleep fuels your mind and body, enabling you to tackle all that is happening around you more effectively.

Though it may sound like a cliché, not only is a balanced diet important in our everyday lives, but it is even more so in times of strain. You’ve probably heard it said countless times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that is because it is (and if you were unsure, a cup of coffee doesn’t qualify as breakfast)! Having a good breakfast prepares us for the day, and when supplemented by balanced meals throughout the day, actually works to keep our “engines” running. Well nourished bodies are better equipped to deal with stress!

Last but not least, learning different ways in which to manage stress can make it less of a giant to conquer. There are a number of different ways to do this, but among the most important are simple things like taking time out to breathe and clear your mind at any times when stress threatens to overwhelm you. Other quick stress relievers include meditation, yoga, journaling and listening to music. In addition, exercise is extremely beneficial as physical activity can actually prevent the effects of stress, leaving you with more time to concentrate on the things that matter.

It seems as though the key to stress management is making time for yourself and realising that you are in control of your life. The kind of lifestyle you have and the manner in which you handle situations has a huge impact on your stress levels. Taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, schedule and environment can have positive effects on your mind and body so make it a point to maintain a positive attitude and lifestyle and watch the stress melt away!