We certainly live in stressful times. People seem to have more demands and pressures placed on them, with extensive ?to-do lists? or deadlines that are fast approaching. Also, recent events, like the Covid-19 pandemic or the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, certainly contributed to increased stress levels. Millions of us around the world are experiencing high levels of stress and it is damaging our well-being and our health.
Therefore, and with regard to April being the Stress Awareness Month, Women Flix is dedicating this article to create consciousness for both the causes and cures for this great public health challenge of our time called Stress.
What is Stress?
Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. The main sources of stress include work, finances, relationships, parenting, and day-to-day inconveniences.
Stress is your body's response to something that requires attention or action, something perceived as a threat, so it releases a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine to prepare you for physical action. This reaction is extremely demanding for your body and if you are kept in a state of stress for long periods, it can be really detrimental to your health.
Signs of Stress
People experience stress in different ways and it can lead to a variety of symptoms. It is a significant factor in mental health problems, like anxiety or depression, but also in physical health problems, like cardiovascular and immunologic diseases or digestive problems.
The most common signs of stress include:
How to cope with Stress?
Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being. Because stress can be manageable if you learn to recognize the signs and find the best way for you to handle it. Then you will be able to take charge of your health and reduce the impact stress has on your life.
- Get regular exercise, which has a big impact on your brain and your body;
- Learn how to take care of yourself: mind, body, and spirit. Take time out of your day to relax or do something that you enjoy;
- Practice mindfulness in your life and adopt a positive mindset;
- Disconnect from time to time (from social media, for example);
- Eat well, stay hydrated, and have a good night sleep;
- Learn to say ?no? to requests that are too much for you;
- Master your time;
- Practice deep breathing;
- Always prioritise your health!
Some other options available that may be helpful include Psychotherapy, Medication (sleep aids, antacids, antidepressants), and Complementary and Alternative Medicine, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, yoga, and meditation.
Key message
If you are able to recognise when you have too much demand on our shoulders then you can take action to prevent yourself from getting anywhere near a collapse point or a burnout.
Talking openly about the issue will help to prevent it from escalating and also will help to reduce the stigma.
So, we hope this article will maximise your chances of turning useful knowledge and techniques into positive behavioural change for the sake of your health. And if you have other coping mechanisms, please share them because it might benefit someone in your community.