Maintaining our life critically depends on keeping our internal environment constant in the phase of a changing environment. This is called homeostasis or a steady state. However, our modern life never runs out of ways to upset this balance, which leads to stress. Therefore, a change is needed to go from a state of stress to a state of strength.

From Stress To Strength: Taking Charge
From Stress To Strength: Taking Charge
Contrary to popular belief, stress is not always negative. Eustress or positive stress can motivate us and optimize our performance. Eustress looks at our coping skills, it's exciting and short-term. The kind of stress we've all experienced when planning a vacation/birthday party/wedding or learning a new hobby, buying a new car, etc.

Anguish, on the other hand, is negative stress that causes anxiety, feels unpleasant, is perceived as alien to our coping skills, decreases our performance, can be long-term, and can lead to mental and physical problems. As human beings, we have all experienced both types of stressors.

The pandemic, however, has increased the DISTRICT which presents itself in the form of illness, conflict in interpersonal relationships, unemployment, financial worries, sleep disorders, and the list is endless.

Most of us are used to the stress and anxiety it causes. We do little to manage it and we are simply conditioned to it. Fortunately, there are front-line ways to deal with stress more effectively.

There are many ways to deal with stress. We discuss some of the evidence-based procedures that reduce stress and promote health.

Diaphragmatic breathing:

The natural act of conscious breathing has been used as a means of relaxation. Therefore, it is an integral part of different yoga traditions and is now incorporated into many relaxation programs.

Progressive muscle relaxation:

Anxiety and stress often accompany muscle tension. In PMR we learn to release this muscle tension.

Meditation:

A solid body of research shows that meditation can reduce psychological stress and anxiety, significantly promoting good health.

Relaxation response:

It involves repeating a word, sound, sentence, thought, or phrase. In doing so, the body transitions from a state of physiological arousal to a state of physiological relaxation.

Cognitive behavior therapy:

It is an approach that involves collaboration between the psychologist and the client. It focuses on replacing dysfunctional and irrational thought processes with life-enhancing thoughts and beliefs. CBT is considered beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, stress, among others.

Read More: From Stress To Strength: Taking Charge