Positive Impacts of Stress

Are you:

Depressed?

Feeling low?

Giving up?

Avoiding social interaction?

Constantly worrying?

Racing thoughts?

Feeling lonely?

If any three of these statements apply to you, it may indicate that you are under stress.

Stress is as normal as human existence. Stress is positive because it signals unresolved matters. Stress has the potential to motivate an individual to find innovative solutions in order to perform better. However, it’s crucial to note that constant stress can have harmful effects on both physical and mental well-being.

Causes for Stress

There are various causes of stress, such as upcoming projects, breakups, career plans, loans, pending bills, exams, assignments, noise, overcrowding, getting married, financial issues, and the list goes on. Additionally, there are other unexpected causes of stress, such as COVID-19 or climate change.

Why should I manage my stress?

Stress impacts our physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as our spiritual health. The American Psychological Association states that prolonged stress can lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and a variety of other mental health disorders. Additionally, it reduces our enjoyment and satisfaction in daily life, hindering our ability to focus on work, and most importantly, it influences relationships.

I am sure that by now, you must be aware of the negative impacts of stress. Therefore, you have to decide whether you really want to get out of this situation or not. If yes, then let’s explore some solutions to deal with stress.

Solution

Here are some effective ways to reduce stress:

1. Acceptance

I’m sure that you don’t want to be in this stressful situation anymore. It is important to accept your mental state and make up your mind that you really want to release your stress.

2. Journaling

Take a pen and paper. Write down your tensions and think about the issues you are facing right now. Reflect on them and write down possible solutions. Regular journaling should be a part of your daily life. Answer three main questions: How am I feeling right now? What is the main reason for my stress? What are the previous strategies I’ve used to cope with stress in the past?

3. Regular monitoring

Regular monitoring of stress is important for maintaining our well-being. Throughout our daily routines, we stumble upon a variety of events that can have a negative impact on us. Oftentimes, we tend to avoid thinking about these topics or issues that have hurt us. However, when we avoid addressing them, they remain stored in the corners of our minds. Therefore, it’s important to regularly monitor triggers that could cause stress.

4. Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises have been powerful techniques to reduce stress. They can activate the body’s relaxation response and bring a sense of calm. For breathing: Sit in a comfortable place, inhale, hold your breath for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Repeat this process five to ten times.

5. Meditation

Meditation means being in the present moment. We normally think about our past or future, but we have to be in the present moment to understand things correctly. To achieve this, we can practice deep breathing and observe our thoughts. Stress Management Research conducted in the US concludes that 70 percent of participants state that meditation has proved to be an effective method for them to relieve stress.

Conclusion

It is my advice for you to build your social networks and ask for emotional support from your loved ones. Think positively and eat healthily because research conducted in 2022 shows that an eating pattern or diet can reduce stress. Your own self should be your first priority. Love yourself and take time to talk to yourself every day, especially before sleeping and right after waking up.

Remember that stressful events will happen every day. I know there will be good days when you feel motivated and give time to yourself, but there will also be unmotivated days. Once you make the right decision for yourself, stick to it.

Doing the right thing is important, regardless of how you feel. Daily journaling, meditation, and breathing exercises are key to reducing stress. Stress is a normal thing, but it must be channeled in an appropriate way to foster a growth mindset.