Humans today have evolved into rational beings, their minds tempered by science. It is wit and the power to think that has levered us right to the top of the food chain. The brain can be credited for all the development man has seen from the apes to matured advanced beings and is rightly called ‘the fastest machine’. But even machines need breaks. Keeping them under constant pressure causes them to slow down and degenerate. The human mind too, is not averse to these problems.
Psychology, or study of the human mind, has a mind-boggling (no pun intended) array of disorders and conditions, some common, some we live through without even realising. Stress is one of the most common psychological problems. Unfortunately it is also the most neglected. Today, we see everyone around, from a small school going kid to well settled, supposedly happy adults regularly complaining, “I’m so stressed!” Stress, although rarely do people know this, is a psychological problem that can have serious repercussions if not treated on time.
Defined as ‘A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression’, stress is an inherent part of our lives. It may be present only in a minor form but if not paid attention to, can lead to even death. There are many factors leading to a rise in stress levels; our jet-set-go lifestyles, not much care given to health, setting goals which task your body, etc. A few identifiers of stress are sleeplessness/constant sleepy feeling, restlessness, mood swings, lack of interest in anything, anxiety, crying at the drop of a hat, inability to cope with even minor problems, etc. Continued stress is one of the factors leading to depression and can slowly evolve into other disorders. The funny thing (in theory) about stress is, it may be the cause or the effect of a disorder. Eg: You may end up in hospital coz of heart attack-caused by extreme levels of stress or just be out of the hospital post the attack and be stressed about it's recurrence! Whatever the cause of stress, it's effects are definitely harrowing...
But if looked into at the right time, one can do away with stress. Instead of relying on pills, there are alternative methods to effectively cope with stress. Yoga, a balanced diet, a good night’s sleep, creating proper timelines for work, devoting time for leisure activities are some of the ways to keep stress at bay. So think twice before uttering the words the next time. Maybe it is time to pull out those brushes or books or boots, whichever appeals most or just spend a day snoozing as the saas-bahu sagas continue in the background! And no, it is not difficult.
Travel takes up most of our time today. And sometimes, catching those forty winks in the train/bus/auto might get difficult with all the screeching and scratching around. So why not plug in the earphones and enjoy some music? Or alternatively, solve the su-doku or just flip through the comic strip in the daily? Sometimes, just looking at the outside world and letting your thoughts wander can be quite productive (yes, you are reading the result). Or for evenings, just focus on the cat fights happening all over the place. You will quit watching TV soaps after the entertainment provided by these!
Hmm. The journey handled... Now work. If your workplace is a chilled out place, offering you breaks, why not use them? Carry a novel in your bag to glimpse in between the project-files. Or just take a brief walk after lunch. Rains dampening your mood? why not spend a minute by the window? You will guaranteed feel chirpier once back in your seat! Or maybe, just try and pamper yourself. Why not window shop (or shop, depending on the width, breadth and weight of your wallet) on your way home? If your colleagues are fun loving and 'cool' why not plan an evening out? Or go for weekend get-aways? Office, if balanced properly, does synonym fun!
If not, then try personalising your desk. Just a look at the calm, homely goods around will put you in the right mood at once! And if you are a wanderer soul, pin up your photos, memories, favourite places or just your mother's best recipe on your board. A smile assured at every glance!
None of the above seem appealing? Difficult. But not impossible. You still have the weekends/holidays. Plan stuff. Start deciding well in advance. The very dream will keep you excited. Need not be something magnificient like a romantic evening by the sea or an escape to some exotic land! Just try a long shower and some self-pampering and the results are a glow! Or just laze around. Your pillows do at times miss you...
Just remember, 'Live, Laugh and Love'. If you can't see the glass half-full but rather half empty, why let it pull you down? Just focus on filling the glass to the brim! Stress might be an over-rated and overused term, but doing away with it and leading a cheerful, calm existence is surely within each one's grasp. Now, stop fretting about getting rid of stress and go snooze!
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