Tips for Managing Stress Naturally.

Photo credit: Sandra James.

A lot of people in our society are stressed. This plays out in different ways - inability to sleep at nights, digestive problems, constant headaches and other physical symptoms that may not be traced to an organic cause.
Stress is a physiological response that occurs when someone is going through life issues and/or events and feels unable to cope. It is normal to feel stressed at times but when it becomes sustained and is affecting ability to perform normal roles and responsibilities it becomes a problem and may lead to mental breakdown, causing conditions like depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Everyone goes through stressful conditions at times. People's ability to handle stress however, differs. Some people function better under pressure while others may breakdown. Some events that can lead to stress include:

• Pressure at work
• Caring for a new born baby.
• A housewife caring for the home and children without help.
• Loss of a loved one.
• Loss of a job.
• Marital or financial problems.

Stress has to be addressed as it can lead to serious mental consequences if left to progress. There are natural ways of handling stress without resorting to drugs or medical help. Some of the natural ways of managing stress are discussed below:

• Taking a break from the stressful activity. It usually helps to take a break from whatever is causing stress. I'm not advocating running away from your problems as they will still be there whenever you are ready to face them. But taking a short break say a few hours or days can help you rest, refocus your mind and energy and refresh you. So you are better able to face the problem.
• Exercise : The evidence is clear about the various benefits of exercise to health. When you exercise, it helps to release "feel-good" chemicals like serotonin and dopamine which can help you feel happier and reduce stress.
• Ensuring normal physiological functions like sleeping and eating. Everyone shuld ensure to sleep for about 7-9 hours everynight. The body needs to rest so it can function at an optimal level. Also eating regularly and as at when due maintains your body function and prevents release of stress hormones.
• Social support. Having friends and family that can support you through trying periods is very important. Talking to people you trust can help relieve stress and help you recover faster.
• Prayer and meditation - praying and meditating has been shown to relieve stress
• Positive mental imagery - Anytime you feel stressed, try visualising something positive. Where you want to be or what you want to do that will give you pleasure.
• Practising relaxation techniques and exercises like deep breathing. When you are feeling stressed, just breathe with your stomach long and deep. Also practice tensing your muscles and releasing them. From your toes to other parts of your body.
• Smiling and laughing - relaxes you and makes you feel better thus releasing stress.
• Pursuing a hobby - doing something you like for the sole purpose of pleasure can go a long way in relieving your stress. It could be gardening, creating art or writing. Whatever you enjoy doing.

These are some of the natural ways that can help reduce stress and maintain mental health and well-being. I do hope you will practice them?

Till my next post, stay well, stress-free and healthy-pink.

Dr. Anire Oduko.