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Coping with Stress - Finding Calm

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Not all stress is harmful. However, persistent stress can result in health issues. Read the article below to learn more about coping with stress.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Published At March 8, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 7, 2024

Introduction:

Stress is characterized as a condition of anxiety or tension in the mind brought on by a challenging circumstance. Stress is a normal human reaction that motivates to deal with obstacles and dangers in the lives. Everyone goes through periods of stress. But how one handles stress has a significant impact on the general well-being. The article below briefs the ways to overcome stress.

What Is Stress?

Stress is a common human response that everyone experiences. The human body is made to sense stress and respond to it. The body reacts physically and psychologically to changes or challenges (stressors). Stress is that. The body uses stress reactions to adapt to new circumstances. Stress can be beneficial if it keeps individuals motivated, aware, and prepared to escape danger. For instance, the body may work harder and stay awake longer if an individual is under stress before a big test. However, tension turns into a problem when it persists without interruption or downtime.

What Are the Types of Stress?

Two categories of stress exist:

  • Emotional: Relationship issues, pressure from the workplace, financial concerns, discrimination, or going through a significant life transition are some examples of emotional stress.

  • Physical: Feeling ill, pain, having trouble sleeping, recuperating from an injury, or struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction are a few examples of physical stress.

What Are the Effects of Stress on the Body?

The autonomic nerve system regulates breathing, heart rate, vision, and other bodily functions. The body copes with stressful events thanks to its innate stress response, sometimes known as the "fight-or-flight response." The body ages as a result of the prolonged activation of the stress response in those with long-term (chronic) stress. Symptoms manifest as behavioral, emotional, and physical. Stress manifests physically as the following:

  • Pains and aches.

  • Chest ache or a rushing sensation in the heart.

  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping.

  • Headaches, vertigo, or trembling.

  • Elevated blood pressure.

  • Tightening of the jaw or tense muscles.

  • Intestinal or stomach issues.

  • Difficulty engaging in sexual activity.

  • Weak immune system.

Emotional and mental symptoms that might result from stress include

  • Agitation or uneasiness.

  • Depression.

  • Attacks of panic.

  • Sorrow.

What Is Coping with Stress?

Many people are dealing with issues that can be emotionally taxing for both adults and children, as well as unpleasant and upsetting. Physical separation is one of the public health measures that might exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation as well as stress and worry.

People may have intense, long-lasting emotions following a traumatic occurrence. Reducing stressed sensations and symptoms can be achieved by learning healthy coping mechanisms and receiving the appropriate care and support.

There could be emotional or physical symptoms. Typical responses to a tense situation can be:

  • Skepticism.

  • Emotions such as shock, anxiety, worry, numbness, rage, grief, or impatience.

  • A shift in energy, cravings, interests, and appetite.

  • Nightmares or trouble falling asleep, focusing, and making decisions.

  • Physical responses include rashes on the skin, stomach issues, body aches, and headaches.

  • Deterioration of long-term health issues.

  • A decline in mental health status and rising rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug usage.

  • Stress, anxiety, grief, and worry are normal reactions to catastrophic occurrences like pandemics, natural disasters, and mass shootings.

What Are the Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress?

Here are some strategies for handling worry, stress, anxiety, or grief:

  • Avoid reading news articles on social media and take breaks from them. While being informed is a positive thing, hearing about bad things all the time can be distressing. Think about cutting back on the daily news consumption just a few times and unplugging from the computer, TV, and phone for a bit.

  • Maintaining physical health might enhance mental wellness.

Here are some strategies to enhance well-being.

  • Consume a balanced diet. Consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low- or no-fat dairy, and lean protein. Eat less foods high in added sugars, salt, and bad fats. Follow healthy eating advice.

  • Make time to sleep. To improve the quality of sleep, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Adults require seven hours or more every night.

  • Reduce sitting and increase movement. Every little amount of exercise counts. Gradually increase to two and a half hours each week. Persons can divide it up into shorter sessions, like 20 to 30 minutes each day.

  • Restrict alcohol consumption. On the days one chooses to drink alcohol, either abstain entirely or consume it in moderation. In moderation, one drink or less for women and two drinks or fewer for males per day. Drink less. It is best to learn more.

  • Refrain from taking prescription or illicit medications in ways that are not recommended. Take no other person's prescribed medication.

  • There is treatment for substance abuse, and the first step towards recovery is asking for assistance.

  • Steer clear of vaping, smoking, and using other tobacco products. People can and do permanently give off smoking.

  • Maintain a schedule of routine checkups, examinations, screenings, and immunizations.

  • Set some time to relax.

  • Breathe deeply, stretch, or do meditation.

  • Try engaging in some other enjoyable activities.

  • Make connections with other people.

  • Discuss worries and feelings with those who can be trusted.

  • Make contact with the local religious or community organizations.

Conclusion:

Stress has an impact on the body and the mind. Stress in moderation can be beneficial and even useful in carrying out daily tasks. Problems with mental and physical health can result from excessive stress. Long-term stress management and prevention can reduce the risk of developing other illnesses, such as depression, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Acquiring coping skills can alleviate feelings of overwhelm and promote both mental and physical health. Taking a deep breath, activating the senses of taste, smell, and touch, and engaging in a calming exercise are the fastest ways to alleviate stress. One can easily unwind and concentrate by, for example, gazing at a favorite picture, inhaling a particular aroma, enjoying a piece of music, tasting some gum, or hugging a pet.

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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