Stress is the gift of new age lifestyle to the mankind. Except the hours for which we sleep, we are constantly on the run, physically and mentally. We work under tight schedule. We commute to our workplace amidst the chaotic traffic. We strive to meet the deadlines. We negotiate very hard at every step. 

We are equally at war on domestic front. We hardly have any time for our family. Children’s demand cannot be met. Expenses are mounting. Daily provisions are exhausting. Elders’ health is nagging. Bills outdo utility and expenses surmount incomes. Tasks outnumber the hours in hand, and desires overpower our capabilities.

Resultant is stress! In fact, stress is just the beginning; beginning of related physical anomalies. Stress gives birth to anxiety, acidity and hypertension. It upsets stomach, gives headaches and kills your libido. A person under stress loses cool very often. He/she is irritated by the smallest triggers. He/she is always in a hurry and is losing health.

In spite of knowing that stress is a slow poison that takes you closer to death every hour, it is difficult to deal with stress. Unfortunately, the person suffering from stress fails to understand its gravity and starts plunging further deep. Here, we suggest a few effective measures to deal with stress.

1.  Take a break: Continually getting into the grind and taxing oneself is a sure way to invite stress. Take breaks from the routine whenever possible. The duration of the break depends on how often you take it. A break may be as short as a few minutes in a day, or longer than a week in a year. Take a break whenever you find yourself reaching the limit. It is always advisable to take a break before you break.

2. Be yourself: Do not try to meet someone else’s expectations. Set your own goals that suit your capacity. Do not copy someone else or pretend to be different from what you are. Understand yourself and spend some time regularly just to be what you are. Be comfortable with your present and presence. Enjoy being what you are. It will relieve you a lot from stress.

3. Make your choices: Life gives you options at every step. These options decide the way you are going to live. Many times we chose what is beyond our capacity. This puts us in stress as we cannot fulfill our own expectations. In order to reduce stress, or to eliminate it in total, make choices that you are comfortable with. Understand your limits and avoid burdening yourself.

4. Remember that it’s ok to fail: Even if you accept the tasks that are beyond your capacity, remember to give your best but be ready to fail. Failing is not abnormal. It is absolutely alright to fail. Do not put yourself under stress for the fear of failing. It is not imperative that you succeed every time. Instead divide the problem in smaller parts and deal with it one at a time.

5. Watch out for body signals: Our body gives the right and timely indications that we are under stress. Heartbeats and blood pressure are on the rise. Breathing and bowel movements become irregular. Muscles become tense and you get sleeplessness. If you notice any of these, get alerted and change your lifestyle.

6. Listen to Music: It is the easiest way to beat stress. Put on some soothing or your favorite genre of music, and get lost. Music relaxes and rejuvenates. It has proven effectiveness on stress.

7. Laugh out often: Laughter is the best medicine. It relieves stress and leaves you feeling lighter. Laugh whenever and how much ever you can. Listen to or read jokes. Watch comedies and join laughter clubs. It is the easiest way to beat stress.

8. Share your feelings: Find someone to whom you can talk your heart out. He/she may be your friend, colleague or a family member. Vent out if any issue is pent up in your mind and get rid of stress. You will certainly feel lighter and you never know, you may get the solution to your problem.

9. Breath and bath: Breathing, especially deep breathing will relieve you from stress; and so will bathing. These two activities can give quick relief from stress. Regular deep breathing exercise is very beneficial in keeping stress at bay.

10. Hit the bed: Put your problems aside and hit the bed. Though stress can give you sleepless nights, regular sleeping habit can do wonders to control the symptoms of stress. At least, you will maintain your health.

Dealing with and beating stress is not impossible if you alert yourself in time and follow these steps. Positively accept whatever comes your way and give your best. Understanding your limits and proper planning can simplify your life and beat stress.  

Picture- dieselbug2007

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