Stress management is a an umbrella term for dealing with stress. Everyday situations and happenings put us in positions where we feel either relief or stress. Much of today’s circumstances leave many, especially youths, stressed rather than relieved, considering that they are inundated with numerous tasks and life challenges to juggle. Many of the these situations tend to be social as the global village is gradually closing up on everyone through the influence of the internet.

One might think that the closer everyone is, the easier and less challenging life would be, however, the reverse is the case. There is a constant chase for acknowledgement and social satisfaction. The undending surge for validation and approval tends to be a major source of stress for many nowadays. This type of stress is often self-imposed and can also be self-relieved.

Explanation of Stress and Stress Management

Stress is the body’s response to changing situations and life’s challenges. It results in physical, emotional and psychological triggers that cannot be avoided, but can be managed. This is where stress management techniques come in handy.

Stress management refers to a range of techniques that help relieve stress and prevent it from escalating into unmanageable responses or triggers. Stress cannot be avoided, so if not properly managed, can lead to negative or deteriorating challenges like depression. This suggests that everyone needs to be abreast with techniques that support stress management.

Signs of Stress

If stress is not well managed, the following signs among many may indicate that you are stressed:

• Headaches: Severe pains around the forehead due to tension.
• Sleep disorders: Difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking up during sleep, or disrupted sleep patterns. Instead of your body clock responding naturally to your body’s internal clock, your mind remains wide awake.
• Anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed by changes or challenges in your life to the extent that you struggle to handle them clearly and calmly.
• Depression: A lingering state of low mood and disinterest in activities due to prolonged stress.
• Sadness: Feelings of sadness over your limitations, poverty or circumstances beyond your control.
• Overeating: Eating even when you’re not hungry. Food, in this case, becomes a coping mechanism, though it does not resolve the underlying stress, often leading to overindulgence.
• Alcohol Use Disorder: Turning to alcohol for temporary numbness or escape. While it may provide a short-term distraction, alcohol does not eliminate the root of the problem and can lead to overuse or dependency.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress management techniques come in handy when overwhelmed by life changes and challenges. Here are some practices to help manage stress effectively:

• Walking out in the cool, open-air environments to relieve stress induced headaches. A change in environment and fresh air can improve circulation of oxygenated blood to the brain, lowering headaches.
• Adjusting your sleep routine to accommodate stress-relieving practices. Practice proper wind down routines like keeping the lights out 30 minutes before bedtime, keeping phones away from the bed, washing down and sleeping clean.
• Reflecting on your day and planning keeps anxiety at bay. Anxiety often stems from unachieved goals or uncertainty about the future. Instead of stressing about uncertainties, reflecting and planning can reduce worry and bring clarity.
• Avoid dwelling on past failures. Rather than feeling depressed, forget the past (though not easy, glean from it the relevant lessons and move on). Engage in positive self-talk, meditation, and focus on growth rather than defeat. Use practical tools to silence negative thoughts and the voice of depression, and work consistently to achieve your goals.
• Avoiding Sadness triggers. Stay away from subjects, environments and people that trigger the feelings of sadness. Cease every opportunity to stay sane. Choose joy and create positive moments whenever possible.
• Engage in meaningful hobbies. When stress sets in, opt for active and uplifting activities like indoor exercise, cleaning, cooking, or playing with children. Avoid passive activities such as watching movies as they offer only short-term gratification and can delay emotional recovery.

A Story of a Stressed Young Lady Who Managed Stressed Prudently

Akosua, a young girl from a family of four, was overwhelmed by household chores, school work, social life, and career expectations as the firstborn. She was often stressed. However, upon realizing that stress was the body’s natural reaction to changes and challenges, she decided to respond differently.

She resolved to take control of how her mind processed stress triggers, recognizing that unmanaged triggers could destabilize her and lead to negative effects. By planning her time effectively, organizing her daily activities and setting boundaries to manage her workload, Akosua began to thrive. She also renewed her mind daily with the scripture, and through consistent practice, she kept stress at bay. Without this proactive approach, stress would have taken a greater toll on her. Ultimately, stress management tools were key in helping her maintain mental and emotional balance.

Final Words

Stress is present in several aspects of life when life changes and challenges are not managed prudently. It is essential to harness the body’s natural response to challenges and utilize it as a tool for personal growth to keep signs of stress at bay. Through effective stress management techniques and by learning from others’ experiences, you can keep stress from taking control of your life.

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