What is stress and how do you manage it? We discuss the various methods to help you relieve stress

Stress is a part and parcel of life and most adults suffer from it at some point in their lives. Stress is caused when we are unable to meet the expectation and demands that arise in a certain situation. It is a mix of exacerbation, helplessness, and panic. Whereas stress cannot be completely avoided, it can be regulated. The regulation of stress is called stress management. 

A little stress can be a motivator and sharpens our survival skills. However, when an individual is under too much stress, it becomes toxic and can severely harm the individual’s mental and physical health. There can be multiple stressors in one’s life. Stress can arise from relationships, work, or financial reasons. Stress is the antithesis of productivity. 

A stressed-out person loses his ability to focus and to find a workable solution for the problem at the hand. The most effective way to deal with stress is to manage and regulate it effectively. Nature Cell has brought to you a few effective tips on managing and regulating stress successfully in life. 

How Does the Body React in A Stressful Situation?

• When a person is confronted with a stressful situation, the body perceives it to be a danger and activates its natural defense system. Examples of stress triggers are loud noises, aggressive behavior of a peer, high-speed cars, sudden jolts, and public speaking (for some people).

In all these situations, the endocrine system produces multiple hormones that help the body confront the stressful situation. The body’s response to a stressful situation is termed a fight-or-flight mechanism. Some of the hormones secreted by the body are cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. 

The secretion of these hormones invokes the following bodily reactions:

• High blood pressure
• Muscles are activated for taking physical action
• Sweating
• Alertness
• Increased heart rate (credited to Norepinephrine and epinephrine)

How to Manage Stress in Life?

In order to successfully combat stress in life, practice the following tips:

Practice the 4 A’s of Stress Management

The 4 A’s of stress management work well when the stressor is known and is predictable. They help you devise a strategy for a stressful situation and teach you how to deal with it in a better way. Let us take a look at the 4 A’s of stress management:

Avoid Unnecessary Stress

The first principle is to avoid unnecessary stress. It may be easier said than done, but you can avoid it by practicing the following tips:

• Avoid people who cause you stress.
• Know your limits and learn to say no to situations that can be triggers of stress for you.
• Be more disciplined and practice good time management

Alter the Situation

If stress cannot be avoided altogether, learn to alter the situation in a way that it becomes less stressful. You can reduce stress by taking the following steps:

• Be more communicative and talk out your feelings instead of bottling them up.
• Be more flexible and try to reach a point of consensus over any disagreement and argument.   
• Take out time for recreation.

Adapt to The Stressor

If the above two A’s don’t work out in your case, then change your perspective towards the stressor. Instead of looking at the situation with hostility, take it as a challenge and modify your expectation and attitude towards the stressor. Practice gratitude and learn to look at the brighter side of the picture.

Accept the Situation

• Sometimes stressful situations are manifestations of a force of nature and there isn’t much you can do about them. Take for e.g. the death of a loved one or a being diagnosed with a serious disease. These situations are extremely stressful and the best way to deal with them is through practicing acceptance and positivity.

For better stress and mood regulation, you can take effective supplements such as NeuroActiv6.