Managing stress

Do you ever feel like a mouse running on a tread-wheel and getting nowhere? You probably do, whether its because of homework, chores, or siblings. Its all because of stress. No wonder you haven't been able to sleep! Stress activates an amazing system in your body—your emergency response system. Hormones are released to increase your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. So learning how to deal with stress is important to both your physical and your mental well-being.

Stress in itself is not necessarily harmful. Stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string snaps. So what stresses one person may not stress another. You are likely over-stressed if your regular routine makes you so tense that you cannot relax or deal with the occasional emergency. Some causes of stress are insecurity, a demanding routine, conflicts with others, and terrible events.

Not one of us has total security. How can you cope with feelings of insecurity? Trust a family member or friend. The support of a loved one consistently brings protection against stress-related disorders. Do not continually focus on worst-case scenarios. Such thinking does little more than drain emotional reserves. And what you fear may not happen!

A relentless routine of commuting, working, studying, or caring for children or elderly parents can keep stress levels high. Moreover, stopping some of these activities may be out of the question. What, then, can you do to cope? Try to give yourself some downtime, and get adequate rest. Set sound priorities, and adopt a modest lifestyle. Consider simplifying your life, perhaps by reducing expenses or time spent at work (if you work).

Conflicts with others, especially in the workplace, can be very stressful. If you experience such difficulties, you have a number of options that might help. When someone upsets you, try to stay calm. Do not add fuel to the fire. Try to settle differences privately and respectfully. Try to forgive.

Don't let dramatic events hurt you. Think of them as lessons or even hope. Don't think about what happened, instead think of what you will do in the future. Even talk to someone about your feelings and they might even have a similar experience.

Making certain lifestyle changes is the best start to relieving stress. Start with eating a well-balanced, healthy diet as well as getting enough sleep and exercise. Taking breaks from work, spending time with family or friends, learning to make things with your hands, or learning to play a musical instrument can all help with stress.