Keep calm and carry on

Renee Singh

Stress is unique to every individual. What could be stressing one person could be completely non-stressful for someone else. This would also mean the strategies one uses as stress relievers for one person would not work with another. We need to understand the individual psyche of an individual to provide him with the correct guidelines as help. 

The best goal

Since stress comes to us in various types, the ways of handling it would also vary accordingly. We need to have a clear distinction in our minds of the types of stress we are handling and find strategies to deal with it accordingly.

Eustress or positive stress

This type of stress actually leads to excitement and exhilaration in our lives. Life would be very dull if stress did not exist. So it is actually an essential ingredient in our lives.

Chronic stress

In this case, the body remains in a constant ‘fight or flight’ response mode. The body is constantly triggered to get away from the situation. This needs to be dealt with since it affects the body in serious ways. We need to see first the symptoms of stress and then ways to avoid or dealt with.

Symptoms of stress

Since stress attacks the immune system it can manifest in so very many illnesses:

• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Emotional eating
• Memory lapse
• Sleep disorder
• Low energy

Individual relief measures

We have seen that the body’s response to stress is completely individual. We also need to realise that the relief measures are also individually oriented. 

Perceived threat

This situation is mainly responsible for most of the stress. People like to believe that a certain situation could happen and start stressing over this ‘make belief’ stressor. Similarly, the capacity to return to normal is also variable in individuals. Certain people carry more stress for longer periods, others could calm down immediately. 

Handle stress in varied ways

One can use a combination of strategies that work well with you:

Guided imagery

 This is the most simple and fun way of breaking a negative pattern. Imagine a beautiful situation and perceive yourself enjoying it. This is the easiest way to peace and calm.

Healthy dose of laughter

The physical act of laughing brings a lot of positive physiological changes as it alters and releases tension.

Music therapy

This is a great happy way of altering moods and mindset. This is an enjoyable passive way to immense stress relief.

Balanced diet

This brings about physiological and emotional wellness, which in turn creates a healthy and balanced life.

Assertive communication

Keeping a good relationship going is perhaps one of the best ways of de-stressing. Keep your communication skills savvy.

 Effective stress management means that you minimize your triggers, alter your responses and build powerful resources. This will keep you mentally strong, emotionally healthy and capable of combating any inroad made by stress. 

(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)