Dangerous amount of stress level is facilitated by a modern unhealthy lifestyle and various stressors. Oftentimes we find solace in a stick of cigarette, or bottle of alcoholic beverage to ease our frustrations and temporarily escape from problems. Some experienced too much pressure in work or school, heavy loads of work, unemployment, and illness in a family and even seemingly trivial things such as traffic jam and coming in late that increases level of stress.
Unhealthy stress level causes fatigue, depression, and increase susceptibility to stroke, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. No wonder why coping with stress is a widely research subject. It is uncommon to see books or magazines in bookstores dedicated on coping with stress. However coping with stress does not need to cost a dime, here are simply ways that will reduce your stress-level.
- Stay away from stressors-You canít eliminate all stressors, however you can manage to lessen it. Simply stay away from someone who causes unnecessary stress. You can limit the amount of time you expend with this person, or end the relationship. Avoid situations that cause stress such as buying groceries, seeing negative news in the TV or shopping online. Assigning other members of the household for grocery, or turning off the TV could be an effective means in coping with stress. Stay away from topic that increases your stress level. If discussing about politics or religions often ends up in dispute and leave you upset, then avoid these topics next time.
- If you canít avoid stressors then adapt to them- If it seem a futile cause to change your environment, so you need to compromise and adapt. You can simply change the way you perceive stressful events or situations. Reframe negative situation into something positive. For instance if you are stuck in the traffic, then perceive this as an opportunity to regroup and pause rather than fume about it. Focus on the positive aspects of oneís life, if stress is getting you down. Reflect on positive things that occurred in your life and perceive your current situation as a challenge and a temporary period.
- Accept things- There are things that are beyond our control, such as death of a family member, economic slowdown, and illnesses. The most effective way in coping with stress is to accept that these events or things are inevitable; it is simply part of existence.
Acceptance is the best antidote for a grieving heart rather than being imprisoned with questions of why and how. You can lessen the stress by opening to a trusted friend, focusing on the positive events, and simply accepting that there are uncontrollable events.