Stress management is a an umbrella term for how we respond to and cope with stress. Everyday situations and happenings put us in positions where we feel either relief or stress. Many modern circumstances leave people, especially young people, feeling stressed rather than relieved, considering that they are inundated with numerous tasks and life challenges to juggle. Many of 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 pursuit of recognition and social validation. The unending pursuit of validation and approval has become a major source of stress for many today. This type of stress is often self-imposed and can also be self-relieving.

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 management techniques come in handy.

Management refers to a range of techniques that help relieve and prevent it from escalating into unmanageable responses or triggers. It cannot be completely avoided, and when left unmanaged, it can contribute to emotional and mental health challenges over time. This suggests that everyone needs to be abreast with techniques that support its management.

Common Signs of Ongoing Stress

If stress is not well managed, the following signs, among many, may indicate its prevalence:

• Headaches: Persistent tension or pain around the forehead or temples.
• 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.
• Low mood or emotional heaviness: Prolonged low mood can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of hopelessness or loss of interest.
• 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 challenge, often leading to overindulgence.
• Increased reliance on substances: Some people turn to alcohol or other substances for temporary escape, which can worsen stress over time.

• 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.
• Be mindful of sadness triggers. When possible, limit exposure to environments, topics, or interactions that intensify emotional strain. 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. Limit overreliance on passive distractions such as excessive screen time, as they offer only short-term gratification and can delay emotional recovery.

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, realizing that it 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 such 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 through scriptures and reflective practices. 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.

Written by: Merz

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