According to MediBank, the incidence of stress peaked in last year, with the number of Australians affected rising from 3.7 million 2007-08 to over 4.9 million in 2016-17. The research(3) also found those affected by stress were more likely to suffer from mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks, when compared to the general population.
And while there’s still a lot to learn about the link between stress and the immune system, these findings suggest that the ability to fight off infection may be lowered by ongoing stress and that the incidence of headaches may be higher amongst those experiencing stress.
So, now comes a Million Dollar question. How do we handle Stress? How do we take control of stress before it starts controlling our lives? There is no magic wand which can save us from daily do-list but there are ways in which we can prepare ourselves better to handle the daily chores and lead a blissful life. Stress should be handled at all three levels: 1. Mind, 2. Body and Action.
Top 5 tip to deal with stress:
1. Make a Stress List Pen down the list of things which are putting stress on you. Give a number to them according to the severity. Now take one issue in one day. If possible draw a flowchart for your issue. Once you have written the issue don’t try to read it again and again. Plan your action in the paper and then come back to present moment. If required, you can modify your action plans.
2. Make a do List which calms you down Whenever you are calm, make a do list to release your stress. It can be dancing, walking, listening to music, talking to a friend etc. Whenever you are stressed, pick up any activity from your list for immediate relief.
3. Practice to stay at Present/Observe your thoughts We cannot change the past as it has already over. Future is planned but unknown. So, there is no point thinking about your plan/future again and again. Try to be an observer of your thoughts. Train your mind to stay in the present moment. This brings us to the next point.
4. Breathe Whenever you are alone, just concentrate on your breath. Breath is the string which holds the mind. When you are stressed out take deep breath.
5. Don’t fight with our Stress Observe the feeling when you are stressed. Try to give it a shape, size and texture to it. Now feel with each breath you are taking, it is getting smaller and smaller. Breathe in through the nose and breathe out through the mouth.
Other than above points Saltwater bath, regular physical exercise, Tapping and positive Self Talk does help to reduce Stress and Anxiety. If you feel the stress has started affecting your daily life and health then you should definitely consider taking help from a specialist.
