JOIN USFor many, stress is a five-letter companion from daybreak to dusk. It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress. But you have more control than you might think.
In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your life is the foundation of stress management. Managing stress is all about taking charge of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, and the way you deal with problems.
Idle mind, devil’s workshop
To deal with stress effectively, you need to feel robust and sturdy mentally. For this, keep yourself involved with activities such as gardening, watching a movie, taking a long soothing spa bath, cooking a new dish, singing /dancing, to pep up your mood, sipping a warm cup of green tea, savouring dark chocolate, getting a massage or just curling up with a good book. Just make time for leisure activities that bring you happiness.
Problem shared, problem halved
Suppressed feelings soon become excruciating. A problem shared is a problem halved. Express your worries and fears in an open way to someone who can understand you profoundly. It will make you feel lighter and better, reducing the burden inside you instead of bottling them up.
Avoid Agent Stress
If you can’t alter a stressful situation, try to avoid it. If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship utterly. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.
Vent it out, physically
Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and enabling you to deal with your problems more tranquilly. You could begin with an outdoor walk, or play with a pet daily. Join a club, and take part in a physical activity that you enjoy, like dance, aerobics, gymnastics, tennis or football.
Time for self-pampering
Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Include rest and relaxation in your daily routine. Go for a spa or a holiday. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and revitalize your batteries. Just pamper yourself silly!
Practice yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation bring to standstill nomadic and futile distractions that drain your mental energy. A serene mind allows to manage issues through rational thinking, skillful execution.
Go sattvik, atleast nearly
Wholesome nutrition can make a difference. Try and avoid, or atleast reduce the amount of spicy, oily, caffeine, junk, and sugary foods you consume. The “highs” they provide are only temporary and the “lows” soon crash over you like powerful waves! If you can’t go drastic with a sattvik diet, atleast stick to a well-balanced and nutritious diet plan. It’ll keep you feeling good throughout the day.
Be a volunteer
The adage ‘Whenyou dig another out of their troubles, you find a place to reduce your own’ holds true. People who help others, through activities such as community or social-work, become more resilient. Helping others is a great way to get your mind off your worries and channel your energy into something positive.
The bottom line is this: your life is much in your own control and so long as you steer it well, all is well.