Stress simply means the way an individual reacts to things that happens to him or her. Stress can be caused by different reasons and factors as it differs.<figure class="op-ad"> <i frame width="300" height="250" style="border:0; margin:0;" src="https://www.facebook.com/adnw_request?placement=1406324352799761_1406324366133093&adtype=banner300x250"></iframe> </figure>
The question most people ask is, what are the causes of stress? There are different reasons why people get stressed. These differ from individual to individual. What might be the cause of stress for one may not cause even the least stress foe another person. But, there are some common causes of stress which are:
- Death of people we love such as good friend, family, close pet and relatives.
- Issues that are related to health such as victim of accident, getting injured, having difficulties with a disease and even pregnancy. For this to cause stress you don’t have to be the victim, it could be your family or friend.
- Sexual issues. This may involve problems with regard to finding a partner or problems with a current partner. It could also be sexual problems with a girlfriend or a boyfriend.
- Relocating to new location. This type of stress is very common for young children who are already adapted to a particular place.
- Financial problems. These could be as a result of not having enough money or having a lot of loan to pay and other debts.
Also as there are different causes of stress, there are also diverse ways to deal with stress which include the 10 listed below.
1. Always take breaks from work to refresh and relax.
All work and no play they say makes jack a dull boy, in the event that hard work takes place of regular meaningful breaks. Discussion of work should be put off during this break while relaxing the mind for ten minutes. Such short breaks are extremely recuperating. Initially, you may feel uneasy since you have pending work lying on the table, but if you learn to relax you will find that you are far more efficient after the break.
2. Reduce your caffeine intake, especially during your breaks.
Reduction of stimulant drinks like caffeine is greatly advised, though it may seem like it helps you fight stressful situations by keeping you more alert and ready; it is harmful in the long run. Don’t resort to a cup of coffee in each break that you have. Opt for green tea in case you need to drink something.
3. You are not obliged to do everyone’s work, learn to say “no”.
Saying ‘no’ when asked to help with work is sometimes helpful. Taking more work than you can possibly achieve can be overwhelming. Just because you feel that you can achieve something does not mean that you should take it on personally. After all, there are only a certain number of hours in a day and you do need to adjust sleeping time, relaxation time and time for yourself and family in the same number of hours.
4. Exercise regularly to clear your body and mind.
Releasing some of the energy that you have aids in relaxing the body and mind. Not only is exercise good for stress reduction, it keeps you in shape as well and makes you feel better about yourself. Exercising for about half an hour in the morning can leave you fresh and geared up to face the challenges of the day. The same time spent in the evening can help you get a good night’s sleep.
5. Make sure you have enough sleep.
Depriving yourself from much needed sleep causes additional stress. There are obvious lapses that are likely to take place and these lapses at work or at home create situations that can cause further stress. An eight-hour sleep routine is a ‘must’, no matter the amount of work that you have to do!
6. Have fun and do things that make you happy.
Laughter is indeed the best medicine for any issue and that holds for stress too. Sometimes we get so bogged down with the schedules and stresses of daily life that we forget to have fun. Try and watch movies and shows that are funny. Even slapstick comedy can make you laugh; something that is beneficial for your mental and physical health.
7. Spend time and hang out with friends to relieve stress.
Human relation and human contact is a necessity in reducing tension. Ensure that you keep contact and spend time with friends. Speaking to people whom you believe is a great stress reliever. All of us have at some point or another felt at ease after downloading a painful, irritating or frustrating event onto a friend.
8. Take some time to meditate and de-stress.
Thinking about happy memories or clearing your mind of sad past keeps you grounded in the moment. Meditation helps you to stay and live in the moment. Majority of the stress that body encounters is not due to the situation as such but how we perceive it. Different people may react differently to a stressful situation. When you meditate regularly, you tend to develop a lot of insight and a detached attitude. As a result, things that used to cause lot of stress earlier may seem frivolous to you now. As a result, you tend to become more calm and relaxed.
9. A well-balanced diet can keep your body in a healthy state.
Make sure that you consume a balanced diet and stay away from indulging in fast food and other foods that can be unhealthy to your body. A very healthy body is capable of handling stress than a sick body. Other than the quantity and quality of the food, the manner in which you consume food is also important. Ensure that you eat slowly and in a relaxed state of mind.
10. Adopt or develop a hobby to truly relax.
Hobbies can be a great way to relieve stress. They are activities that you can do without the constant fear of someone evaluating you or being critical of you (as may be the case at work). While hobbies like listening to music and reading will take your mind off your worries, creative hobbies like painting, gardening and the like can help in increasing your self esteem too.
Stress is like a leaking fountain. The earlier you fix it, the better. Leaving it unattended will only make the matter worse.