How to Lower Stress
6 ways to let it go
Learning how to lower stress by communicating more effectively, is not only a healthier way for YOU to live, it's a healthier way to ensure those around you do as well.
Stress is a common occurrence in people. From time to time, everyone will express some level of stress or anxiety. It is a way through which your body reacts to an internal or external happening.
This reaction may at times cause emotional, physical or psychological;l strain. Stress is not necessarily bad, it can actually help one avoid danger. Even when good things happen to people like the birth of a newborn, one may experience stress.
While some level of stress can have some positive aspects in it, severe or chronic stress is a different issue. People anticipating or living in difficult situations experience stress. This constant stress is not beneficial and can cause serious physical, emotional and mental issues.
Effects of stress
People that are constantly battling stress suffer some serious issues including:
- Stomach upset, constipation or diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Fatigue
- Decreased immunity
- Sweating
Prolonged levels of stress can lead to hypertension, diabetes and irregular heartbeats. Panic attacks, heart attacks, and stroke are also a common occurrence.
Mental and emotional effects of stress
Some of the common mental and emotional effects that people suffer include:
- Depression
- Moodiness and irritability
- Anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Seclusion
Chronic stress will ultimately lead to deterioration in one's physical and emotional health. Psychoneuroimmunology research has some correlation between one's immunity levels and their levels of stress. The research indicates that chronic stress can lead to bipolar disease, anxiety, depression, cognitive problems, personality and behavior change.
How stress affects communication
Stress can be manifested through communication. Stressed people are usually poor communicators. They constantly feel angry and are easily irritable. They will usually avoid people or people will avoid them. This causes feelings of isolation and when this happens, it greatly impairs communication.
Learn how to lower stress
There are different ways that people have dealt with stress successfully., and learned how to lower stress. Here are some of the most successful ones:
1. Identifying your stress triggers
Understanding what triggers stress in you will help you avoid it. Sometimes, you might not even be aware of what is causing you stress. Focusing on the thoughts in your head is a good way of identifying stress. Once you understand the cause, you can look for ways to positively combat it.
2. Increased communication with people around you
A good way of dealing with stress is through communication. Learn to speak to those around you regarding your stress; let them know how you feel. Communication is a good first step in learning how to lower stress.
3. Communication in work and academics
Work and academics are some of the greatest sources of stress. Sometimes, you may be working with unrealistic targets that you may not achieve no matter the effort. Talking to your boss may in a way help relieve this stress. Similarly, talking to a professor regarding a specifically hard cause may help relieve some of that stress.
4. Communicate in relationships
Your relationship with others may also cause stress. Having tensions with roommates, siblings, parents, close friends or spouses may cause stress to the two of you. One of the best ways of dealing with such stress is identifying and speaking about it early in advance.
5. Regular exercise
Exercising regularly is another proven way that can help you reduce stress. It will not only help you relieve stress, but it is also a healthy way of living. As per the American Heart Association, you will experience a "feel good" sensation after exercise.
6. Massage therapy
Massage therapy not only relaxes your body and mind, but can also be a key factor in how to lower stress levels. Regular massage can help lower cortisol levels in the body, creating a more peaceful state of mind, relaxing the nervous system, and starting a path to natural relaxation.
Eating healthy can also help you deal with stress. Avoiding lots of caffeinated drinks and taking lots of vitamins like vitamin B and C has some positive effects on your stress levels.
Final thoughts
Stress is a natural part of life and you cannot avoid it. However, it should never consume you. If you are feeling stressed, it is time you started making small adjustments to your life that will help you learn how to lower stress and get better. Taking time to talk to friends and loved ones, communicating your feelings may be the solution to your stress. These small changes may be what will ultimately change your stress problem.
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