STRESS stress stress

Mental tension a fact of life in modern times that is creating an imbalance in our day-to-day lives. Our personality, relationships and the way of life is affected by stress. Continuous stress can cause fatigue, irritation and lack of concentration. It can also cause diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack, sleep disorders, hair loss, and skin diseases. Stress can also lead to anger, boredom, jealousy, and depression. Stress that persists for long durations can weaken the immune system.

Here are some suggestions to help you get rid of stress:

1. Be aware of your own strength: Personal knowledge of one’s own limitations will help in creating awareness about stress to be undertaken. Organize your tasks in proper time-frames so that you do not get nervous or irritated and exasperated.

2. Balanced diet: Balanced and nutritious diet helps in getting rid of stress. Consume as many fruits as possible. Avoid fried and spicy food items, fast food, junk food, cold drinks etc. Eat seasonal green and leafy vegetables.

3. Exercise: Go for an early morning walk in fresh air everyday so that you feel energetic the whole day. Do some form of exercise regularly. Yoga could be the best alternative because it is preventive in nature and also helps in keeping the mind focused and improves mental stability.

4. Positive thinking: Be positive in life, and avoid anxiety. Generally we are anxious about things that don’t ever happen. Try to remain in the present and don’t worry about the past mistakes or about the unpredictable future. Plan in the present and plan according to your capacity.

5. Rest and relax: Take enough rest after performing tiring tasks. Find some time for creative hobbies that can help you relax.

6. Learn to say no: If you feel unsure about certain tasks then refuse them outright. Don’t feel embarrassed in refusing.

7. You are not complete: Be happy with yourself. Be proud of your achievements. Leave complete perfection to others who can guide you.

8. Massage: Go for complete body massage with aromatic oils to get rid of fatigue. A massage facilitates proper blood circulation that relieves stress.

9. Take up gardening and be kind to animals: Be affectionate towards birds and animals. Feed them and organise water for them – this would fill you with a pleasant feeling of satisfaction. Plant trees and saplings in front of your house and look after them by watering them – this would help in taking your mind away from stress.

10. Find time for yourself: Spend some quality time in self-introspection every day. Relax or entertain yourself reading quality literature or listen to soothing music. Spend the time on what you would like to do.

11. Meditate: Sit in a relaxed posture, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus your mind on some thought or sound, preferably on ‘OM’. Another alternative is to develop a passive attitude and watch your incoming and outgoing breath.

12. Be blissful with nature: Enjoy green fields, flowers, sunrise and sunsets, rainbows etc. Dance in rain etc. Enjoy beautiful sceneries like birds flying in the blue sky.

13. Make a list of what worries you: Worries that are penned down on a piece of paper have a mysterious way of disappearing.