@Life
Are You Stressed?
Table of Contents
“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but wanting to control it”
~ Kahlil Gibran
We often have seminars, conservations, and meetups wherein we discuss mental health and issues like depression, shock, etc… But, stress is one matter to which an entire session is seldom centered around.
We see it as a common cause of various diseases but know little about the way it creeps into our lives silently and starts consuming us from within. And so, even though we may have had a tet-a-tet with stress, it cannot be combated until we know what causes it.
]Is it our lifestyle or should we blame the genes? Causes can both be external as well as internal, and so it becomes all the more important to understand about the culprit behind. Read on to find out the common causes below.
1. Common External Causes
· Major life changes | · Work or school |
· Relationship difficulties | · Financial problems |
· Being too busy | · Children and family |
2. Common Internal Causes
· Pessimism | · Inability to accept uncertainty |
· Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility | · Negative self-talk |
· Unrealistic expectations | · All-or-nothing attitude |
Getting To Know The Stress Symptoms
A major concern cantering stress is that, just like a slow killer, it has the amazing ability to creep into your daily life and start consuming you from within. And so, it becomes imperative to know the symptoms and take action against it.
1. Cognitive Symptoms
· Memory problems | · Inability to concentrate |
· Poor judgment | · Seeing only the negative |
· Anxious or racing thoughts | · Constant worrying |
2. Emotional Symptoms
· Depression or general unhappiness | · Anxiety and agitation |
· Moodiness, irritability, or anger | · Feeling overwhelmed |
· Loneliness and isolation | · Other mental or emotional health problems |
3. Physical Symptoms
· Aches and pains | · Diarrhea or constipation |
· Nausea, dizziness | · Chest pain, rapid heart rate |
· Loss of sex drive | · Frequent colds or flu |
4. Behavioral Symptoms
· Eating more or less | · Sleeping too much or too little |
· Withdrawing from others | · Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities |
· Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax | · Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing) |
Are You Unhealthy?
Stress beyond a point can take the form of a chronic illness which is much difficult to deal with later stages. Not only this, stress doesn’t believe in coming alone but rather, brings in its allies which can damage your systems, even more, thus affecting your health, your lifestyle as well as your relations with people negatively.
· Depression and anxiety | · Pain of any kind |
· Sleep problems | · Autoimmune diseases |
· Digestive problems | · Skin conditions, such as eczema |
· Heart disease | · Weight problems |
· Reproductive issues | · Thinking and memory problems |
Befriending Stress
Now that we are somewhat aware of what causes it, what are the symptoms, and what harm it can do to us, it is now the time to know ways and means to manage it. Undeniably, a person can never be completely stress-free and probably that’s why it’s often quoted as a necessary evil.
Below given are some common tips to befriend stress and manage it. However, it must be remembered that generic methods work only when one starts acting on the problem at early stages and/or may reduce it, not eradicate it. These methods, though effective, can never substitute a doctor and thence, when uncomfortable, do not hesitate to visit the doctor – be it the physicians, the psychologist, or even a certified life coach.
· Keep a positive attitude. | · Accept that perfectionism is a flawed concept |
· Get enough rest and sleep | · Learn and practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or tai-chi. |
· Exercise regularly | · Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. |
· Set realistic limits and goals | · Make time for hobbies and interests. |