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Stay away from stress
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Plan your priorities and stick to time management to enjoy life
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Creative indulgence can keep stress at bay.
SHRADDHA WOKE up this morning with a mild headache. She has not slept well in the past week. She faces the prospect of going to work with trepidation. She actually places her hand on her chest to quell the palpitations that threaten to burst her heart. She is stressed out.
How do you know you are stressed?
Stress may manifest in different ways in each person. You may feel nervous, agitated, or anxious. You may feel overwhelmed.
Stress works in insidious or overt ways. It can affect us physically, emotionally and mentally. The dangers of unmanaged stress are significant. Stress can bring on symptoms that mimic a heart attack, depression or anxiety. It can also lead to serious illnesses and health problems, including high blood pressure and ulcers.
Globalisation seems to have assumed a new meaning in the health context — stress related complaints lead to 75 per cent of visits to the physician all over the world.
Why do we get stressed?
Stress is not always bad. When the body perceives physical danger or feels mental pressure, the body reacts by producing certain hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These result in the "fight or flee phenomenon" which energises the body to either stay and fight or flee. Most of the time, these hormones work with us and enable us to overcome obstacles, face our fears and achieve our goals.
When does stress become bad?
There are trigger points for stress. When these trigger points are activated repeatedly, even without the original stimulus, we develop a classic Pavlovian reflex, where all the stress related symptoms manifest themselves predictably. Adrenaline and cortisol can cause symptoms like palpitations, stomach pain, sweating and a dry mouth. When repeatedly released into the system, these hormones can result in hypertension, ulcers, heart disease and anxiety.
Trigger points for stress:
Most women share common trigger points for stress.
Children: Learn to let go. Let them know that you trust them to make the right decisions. Remember, all you can really do is show them the right direction. Trust the abilities of your children. As kids grow, hand over some of your chores. By doing so, you will ease your load and, at the same time, teach them responsibility. Keep in mind that children learn by example. Don't have different rules for yourself and your children. Encourage cooperation and self-reliance.
Work: Decrease your anxiety at work. Success is a two-edged sword. To reduce success-related stress, learn to be less harsh on yourself. You don't always have to be better than the rest. Give yourself mini breaks where you can use stress-relieving exercises. Think about finding a new job where the stress level is not so high.
Managing the family budget: A major component of family stress is the family budget. Have an annual and monthly budget and try to stick to it. Involve your older children in economic decisions so that they realise that every whim of theirs may not be fulfilled. Work with your partner to manage the family finances.
Older and infirm family members: Most of us have an older family member staying with us. Taking care of them when they become infirm or indisposed can overburden an already tight schedule. Learn to work out a plan to manage time better. Don't hesitate to ask for help — another relative or even a neighbour may be able to spare a few hours so you get some respite.
Stress busters:
First and foremost, identify the trigger and analyse it. Then confront the problem and work out a solution. Take a break from the situation. And most importantly, be forgiving of yourself.
Specific stress busters:
- Listening to music.
- Meditation/ pranayama.
- Setting aside time for yourself.
- Exercising regularly.
- Going out and having a good time.
- Sharing mad, giddy laughter with family or friends.
GITA ARJUN
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