Know Stress - No Stress!

The exam clock is on countdown with lots to study ahead. What is the secret behind a firm focus when it comes to show time? The key now is Preparation, Preparation & yes more Preparation! Getting physically, mentally and emotionally ready are the key essentials to manage stress and anxiety. A wise man once said, ‘’Say no to stress, and yes to preparedness’’. 

Not all stress is bad stress. We need a certain amount of it to perform to our optimum level. If we had no stress in our lives, we might stay in bed all day, suffering from ‘amotivational syndrome’! Appealing as this may sound, no stress or low stress can be as negative and harmful as excessively high ones. Prolonged levels of high or low stress can negatively affect you and your health. So it’s imperative that equilibrium is maintained. Stress typically occurs when we perceive we are unable to cope with or meet the demands we face. We are all susceptible to stress from the time we are born till the time we depart. Stress is highly individual and unique. It affects us all differently. Sometimes you may experience stress relating to difficulties with your subjects, teachers, parents, peers, homework, study, revision, relationships, siblings, money etc. You may feel burdened with pressure to live up to expectations. Your heightened sense of awareness can trigger a stress response and start a stress cycle. Stress can be subtle at first and build up to a full-fledged attack that affects you on every level: physical, mental and emotional. There is a strong interconnection between these systems that create levels of wellbeing and health. To perform to your optimum you need to nourish and look after all aspects of your health, wellbeing and study program. Remember, it is normal to feel a certain amount of stress. However, it is important to keep it in check. Small steps can make a big difference to your perspectives and coping abilities.

On the brighter side, you don't need a spa weekend or a retreat! Each of these stress-relieving tips can get you from ‘OMG’ to ‘ohm’ in less than 15 minutes. Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress.  It's simple, focus your attention on reciting out loud or silently, a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds. Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. When you spend time in the moment and focus on your senses, you should feel less tense. Your social network is one of your best tools for handling stress. Talk to others, preferably face to face, or at least on the phone. Share what's going on. You can get a fresh perspective while keeping your connection strong. The most popular ways to deviate from a tense situation is to watch a comedy flick, listen to your preferred genre of music, read something light-hearted and comical so that your ‘stressful life’ is invaded by humour. Reducing the stress in your life will take a lot of reflection and action, but it will be worth it. If you're less stressed, you'll be able to sleep better, will have a more positive outlook on life, and will be much more able to enjoy your daily interactions. To reduce stress, you have to work on minimizing the stressful situations in your life and to relax your mind and body.

You don't have to deal with your stress alone. You'll feel much better if you open up to a friend, family member, or even a professional about how stressed you're feeling. If you share your feelings, you'll also be able to get some helpful feedback as well as a fresh perspective on your problems. Spending more time with your friends will make you feel more loved and appreciated, and will make you feel less alone in your battle to fight stress. Though your schedule may be packed, you could always make time to grab a coffee or a drink with a close friend or even an acquaintance. Be it stress or a moment of happiness, as soon as we share it with our loved ones, we feel a sense of security and acceptance. After all, we are human beings and our existence is synonymous with emotions. Bottling up things can lead to unwanted eruptions. So the deal is to share, both happiness and despair. It definitely won’t leave you astray!

Lastly, stress is a phenomenon which is prevalent in every individual, regardless of age, caste, creed or size. To get rid of it, it is important that we identify it, in order to address it effectively.