Effective strategies for managing stress

I’m one of those people who doesn’t handle stress well. If you asked me how well I handle stressful situations, I would tell you not very well. I always like to plan things early. I spend my life working to have as few stress triggers as possible by being very proactive, loving the planning process, going over the plan again and not leaving things until the last minute.

I have learned to work with both predictive and iterative planning systems, but neither is perfect because life is more chaotic than orderly. We’re just trying to make it the best stability possible. There are many things you can’t plan for, such as a tragic phone call that changes your life.

It is important to note how much stress can affect our health. If you’re anxious, worried, stressed, angry, or otherwise experiencing more mental health issues than usual, take a break! Stress impairs health. Globally, 33 percent of people face extreme stress in various forms of flight, fear and fight.

Extreme stress has been proven to cause panic attacks, reduced sleep quality, increased blood pressure, breathing problems, loneliness and depression. Reducing stress levels is key to maintaining overall well-being. There are some strategies you can adopt to reduce stress. The first thing you need to do is identify the source. Identify the main causes of your stress. Is it related to work, personal relationships, financial issues or other factors? Identifying sources can help you find effective solutions.

After identification, practice relaxation techniques. Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or yoga. These techniques can help calm your mind and body, reducing stress levels. Exercise regularly. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting hormones. Regular exercise can help relieve stress and improve overall mental and physical health. Find activities you enjoy, such as walking, running, dancing or playing sports.

Maintain a balanced lifestyle. Make sure you have a healthy work-life balance. Spend time doing activities that you enjoy and that help you relax. Set boundaries to protect your time and prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute significantly to stress. Establish a regular sleep routine and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed and ensure your sleeping environment is comfortable.

Reach out to friends, family or support groups. Sharing your feelings and concerns with others can provide emotional support and perspective. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Organize your tasks and set realistic goals. Prioritize your responsibilities, delegate tasks when possible, and break large tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. Effective time management can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve your resistance to stress. Eat a balanced diet, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoid tobacco or drug use. Feeding your body nutritious food contributes to your overall well-being. Participate in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Pursuing hobbies can provide a necessary break from stressors and promote a sense of fulfillment and relaxation.

Seek professional help if needed. If your stress level persists or becomes overwhelming, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, support and techniques tailored to your specific needs. Remember that stress reduction takes time and experimentation to find what works best for you. Incorporate these strategies into your routine and be patient as you manage stress.

It is important to understand what you are doing at all times to reduce stress. So plan your work environment. This will help you equip yourself properly, save time and recognize the signs of burnout.

The new pandemic is anxiety and depression. Be a careful person; check on friends and family. You could be the one who makes the difference in their day. We need an intervention, a new way of thinking and dealing with the stress and toxicity of social media.

Prioritizing your mental health ensures emotional, psychological and social well-being, as it affects how you think, feel and behave. It also helps in making better decisions.

Leveling up requires a large stress tolerance meter, and quality of life is how well you can handle stress. Remember, problems don’t go away. You just deal with them better.

• Ovigho Okojevoh is the executive secretary of the Society for Health Safety and Environmental Education