STRESS is something inescapable in the modern life. Stress can be defined as an adaptive response of the body or the body’s reaction to events in life that are seen as emotionally disturbing, disquieting, threatening or challenging.

Soon as our minds perceive such events as ‘stressing’, the body goes into what researchers refer to as ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ mode.

In the process of fighting off or fleeing from stress, the body increases its heart beat rate and blood pressure, as the blood gushes through the muscles and veins, the respiration rates go up, resulting into a condition known as Stress.

If untamed, stress can run down ones mental and body strength, sometimes leading to fainting, mental blackouts and in extreme cases, Madness.

Here are a few tips that could help you beat off stress;
—  First of all, it’s recommended that one first identifies what stresses them in their day to day lives. By doing so, you become more aware of the different situations your body is in and be able to deal with them, each at a time.

—  The second step is making a concerted effort to avoid these things that make you stressed up. If that’s not realistically possible, take steps to lessen their effect on you. Learning to relax in the face of your stress factors may be your most valuable weapon. Give yourself a break.

—  You can do so by avoiding hassles, controlling the pace at which things are changing (For example when adapting to a new job), take a break or alternatively seek help from friends and those who are used to the situation.

Things you can do to relax

Relaxation techniques can help, and there are a variety of these techniques available.

— Deep Breathing: Usually when busy and stressed, we don’t care how we breathe. Over the weekend, you could take time off in the Garden and do some extra deep breathing. With your eyes closed, inhale and exhale deeply for some time, this will do you great service especially when the air is fresh. Doctors say that this exercise is great for the lungs and the heart. These organs are at a high risk of being affected by stress.

— Stretching and exercising the body gently helps a lot because it relaxes muscles, allowing proper blood flow. Clogged veins and arteries are cleaned during this mild exercise.

— Clearing your mind will do the trick to beat stress. You could lay back in the couch, sip on glass of juice or a cup of hot tea. While doing so, go into your mind literally flush out the stress factors of the past week.

— For exercise freaks, progressive muscle relaxation can be vital in combating stress. Sit ups, creative visualization and Yoga exercises put the body in a relaxing mood. However working out too much is not recommended for it take a lot out of the haggard body, adding more stress than helping take it away.  

— Getting a pet. This may sound funny but playing with pets such as dogs and cats can be relaxing and may therefore aid in stress management. Also grazing your cows after a long time can take away stress for those with the love of cows. 

— Listening to tunes. Music can indeed soothe the savage beast and help minimize the stress response. They say music is food to the soul soft and soothing ballads are highly recommended. Try out some Country music, you can sing along and dance a little bit.

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