Stress is bad for you because it has terrible effects on both your physical and mental health. Medical experts have linked stress to high blood pressure, diabetes, premature aging, and a number of other medical conditions. This article will discuss the causes and manifestation of stress and recommend pragmatic ways to manage or cut down stress levels. First off, let us understand the meaning of stress.
What is Stress?
In simple English, stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. Stress is also your body’s reaction to a challenging or demanding situation. Stress is manifested in many ways but for most people, stress can make you angry, afraid, frustrated, or tense. We have to point here that stress is not all bad. A short burst of stress has positive benefits in the sense that it can help you meet deadlines or run away from a dangerous situation. However, a high level of sustained stress is bad for you and this is why you need stress counseling. Below are some ways to combat stress.
Identify the Problem
The first step in combating stress is identifying the problem. Stress may be work-related (demanding deadlines and pressure to succeed). Stress can also arise from a difficult relationship with family, discrimination, or even bullying. A smart counselor will sit down with the person undergoing a stressful situation and try to figure out the cause of stress. Once the problem has been identified, solving it relatively easily. Below are some smart ways to combat stress.
Counseling
It s very easy to state that stress counseling will solve the problem but what exactly does the counselor do for the patient? A stress counselor has no magic wand. In the context of this article, counseling simply means using sensible recommendations to solve the problem.
Time Management
In many instances, work-related stress comes from improper time management. The counselor will work with the patient to draw up an effective time management plan. This plan will create a healthy work-life balance to reduce stress levels.
Sleep
Sometimes, stress comes from inadequate sleep and this is why a smart counselor will investigate the sleeping habits of the patient. Quality sleep will reduce sleep and make the patient relaxed and happy.
Exercise and Yoga
Exercise and yoga is a double-barrelled combination because it cuts down stress levels almost immediately. Your counselor will recommend this solution because exercise combats physical stress while yoga combats emotional stress.
Facing the Demons
In cases where stress is caused by discrimination, bullying, or relationship problems, your counselor will encourage you to discuss the matter and iron out the differences with the parties involved. Sometimes, confronting your demons is the best way to combat stress.
