Coping with stress is difficult. It can be a vicious cycle, which, paradoxically, creates even more stress. Although some levels of stress are considered helpful because they can help overcome difficult situations when you can’t manage stress, such as exams or work responsibilities, stress can be harmful if left unchecked.
Fortunately, some techniques and habits can help manage stress and prevent it from paralyzing you and making you react uncontrollably or leading to anxiety and even physical disorders.
What problems does stress cause?
Dr. Hans Cellier identified three stages of stress that describe the different states we experience in a stressful situation:
1. Anxiety
This is an immediate response to a dangerous or difficult situation. The heart rate increases, hormones such as cortisol are released, and the body receives a dose of adrenaline to help respond.
2. Resistance
After the first attack, the body usually relaxes and restores its normal levels. However, if you do not overcome the stressful situation, the body will still be in a state of combat readiness and get used to high blood pressure and hormone levels.
3. Depletion
Stress becomes chronic and the body depletes its reserves to deal with it. At this stage, it has emotional and physical consequences, such as:
- exhaustion
- depression
- burnout
- concern
- weakened immune system
- gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders
Stressful situations are sometimes inevitable, but if you find a way to deal with them, many of the negative effects of stress can be avoided or at least reduced.
How to deal with stress?
1. Temporarily separate yourself from stress
Having identified an exhausting situation, separate yourself from it as much as possible.
2. Exercise regularly
During exercise, the body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. The hormonal activity also decreases with exercise, which means that the body releases less cortisol – a stress hormone. Exercise also helps you sleep better, which means your body and mind will rest more.
3. Do yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to manage stress. Yoga acts as an antidepressant and anxiolytic, as well as relaxes the mind. In addition, yoga promotes concentration, so it helps you mentally separate from stress.
4. Meditate
Meditation helps to relax the body and mind. Focusing only on your breathing or the environment will make you step away from the stressful problem for a moment and give you a new perspective.
5. Try natural antidepressants to deal with stress
Natural herbal infusions such as valerian, green tea, and lemon balm can reduce stress.
6. Communicate with people who make you feel good
Communication is a powerful tool for relieving anxiety
After all, any activity that helps clear the mind will help cope with stress.
You can also do other things that give a break to your mind and body. Good options are to listen to music, visit new places in good company, and pursue a hobby, such as drawing, writing, or doing something with your own hands.
By doing different and interesting things, you distance yourself from stress.
If all else fails, get professional help. Psychotherapists are ready to help you cope with stress and guide you on the best way to overcome it.
Picture Credit: VistaCreate