Stress and how it creates problems in our collective lives

Even as our collective becomes ever more complex in today’s increasingly fast-paced environment, the unfortunate truth comes to the fore and stress rears its ugly head: Be it in our relationships our personal lives, our professional workplace et el. Even as it erodes and eventually degrades the quality of our lives.

From a psychological perspective “stress’ can be broadly defined as “simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical or mental equilibrium. A stressful event can (potentially) trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing such hormones as adrenaline and cortisol to course through the body.”

It is basically the body’s reaction to both real and perceived harmful situations. When one feel threatened, chemical reactions take place in the body that enables the body to act in a certain way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as “the stress response”. During stress response, the heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, while the body also raises its blood pressure. It is essentially how the human body protects itself.

In small doses a stress response is necessary for survival. While driving for instance, it’s what causes us to slam on the brakes in an emergency. Similarly, in a life or death combat scenario, an adrenalin surge gives us that extra edge.

However, in the long run it may well lead to severe medical complications both psychological and physiological such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, even strokes and heart attacks.

However, stress can and indeed should be controlled and the best way to do it is naturally rather than depending on heavy medication. Here’s how:

Approach friends for help

The age-old adage “Two heads are definitely better than one” holds true here. The people who care about you, i.e. your friends and family are your best weapons in fighting stress. Meet them regularly face to face whenever you feel troubled, and if that is not possible connect with them on the phone. This will help you acquire a new and broader perspective while at the same time keep you emotionally nourished as well.

Laugh away your troubles:

Laughter truly is the best medicine especially as a stress buster. It’s extremely difficult to feel stressed out when one is in stitches while watching a comedy flick or simply hanging out with goofy pals.

Water Therapy:

Most of us fail to drink enough water i.e actual fresh and pure cold water and not carbonated drinks. Since all of our organs, including our brain, are strongly dependent on water so as to be able to function properly. That is why without an adequate supply of water, stress is almost inevitable.

Exercise as a stress buster:

Exercise is a great stress buster in its own right. In fact any activity that involves continuous physical exertion helps curb stress. . Walking, running, swimming, dancing, cycling, martial arts, aerobic classes all work great as stress busters. But whichever exercise you pick, make sure you enjoy it. Otherwise it would become a drag to continue and you will eventually lose interest.
Stress does not have to be part and parcel of our everyday lives. With the right precautions and actions it can actually be controlled.

Written By: Kinza Chaudhary