Most people think they know what stress is and that they can recognize its symptoms, while the signs of stress greatly vary and are not really so obvious. The most common signs of stress are: aggression, lack of confidence, indifference, difficulties with concentration, various aches and pains and constant fatigue. Some people realize they live under heavy stress already when they get panic attack (for some one isn’t enough). If you are constantly having symptoms of stress, don’t wait, act on it! You may not realise how detrimental it is for your health. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, and stress triggers production of it in our bodies. If your body thinks it is endangered every day, it constantly produces cortisol, which in turn accelerates the ageing process. The body is worn as quickly as an engine being constantly on high speed. But this is only a tip of the iceberg. It affects your cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, skin, bladder system, reproductive system, and basically all the functions in human body.
Are you able to restore your level of energy after a stressful, tiring day? If the answer is yes, you are probable capable of controlling the level of stress in your life. If you need more time than 24h to restore, it means that stress is taking control over you.
If you are having the above symptoms, we recommend that you seek professional support, whether it is a coach or a psychologist, or simply become your own coach and start exploring the huge library of self-help books out there.
The key to good stress management is regaining control; over your environment, attitude, time, your physical and emotional reaction to the causes of stress. Your goal is to bet the stress and regain positive attitude to life!
However not all the stress is bad for you. There is optimal level of stress which is necessary for human to function efficiently. This level stress of stress is motivating for us. Scientist say that too low level of stress causes lack of motivation, apathy and boredom in most cases.
Anyway, the causes of stress are not dangerous to a man but our reaction to it. There is no such thing as objective stress. Stress is our individual perception and reaction to change. Does it mean we should avoid changes? Of course not, change is the only constant factor in life. However, we have to be away how those changes impact us.
The first step to deal with stress in your life is to understand what causes it. It is also very important for you to realise that you need to take responsibility for your level of stress. Then, you can use a set of techniques to effectively prevent or deal with stress.
Here are few techniques which will help you reduce the level of stress to your optimal level:
- Predict stress triggers in your life and prepare yourself for what’s coming
- Self-awareness, positive and rational thinking – controlling your reaction to stress
- Physical methods of relaxation: PRM – progressive muscle relaxation, breathing work, sport and physical activity
- Mind relaxation: autohypnosis, autosuggestion, meditation, music, contact with nature
- Imaginative techniques: controlling the level of stress with the mind
- Time management
- Take time off and make time for yourself
- Give yourself realistic goals and don’t be so hard on yourself
- Ensure pleasant and clean environment in your workplace and your home
- Accept yourself with all your strengths and weaknesses. Remember – nobody is perfect!
- Assertiveness: learn to say no
- Healthy eating and proper sleep
- Laugh, laugh, laugh!