As long as we live, it is impossible for us to be completely separated from stress. Studying causes stress, working causes stress, even eating can cause stress, and the repercussions of not doing them will also result in stress otherwise. That was because stress is our body's natural reaction to every time that we face challenges and pressure, by which, if we are able to overcome them, they will allow us the opportunity to grow as an individual. That said, it is also not a good thing that we are in a constant state of stress, as it can not only affect us emotionally, but it will also show in our behavior and appearance, which can even result in serious medical conditions. So while we cannot be separated to stress, it is still possible to manage it.
Currently, the biggest source of my stress comes from work, with tasks sometimes getting filled up or suddenly getting additional tasks beyond my usual workload, and it's not as if I could just ignore them or tell my superiors that I do not want to take the additional tasks. So after an hour or two that I was working, I will take a 3- 5 minute break and go to the restroom or get a cup of hot choco in the nearby beverage dispenser. The goal for this is to move the body around and have good blood circulation, which in turn helps to boost mood, while the slight changes in the scenery can help to avoid mental fatigue. As much as possible, I also try to keep my meals balanced and avoid fast food, so that I not only have the energy needed for work, but also have the essential nutrients that help to regulate stress hormones.
The same thing goes when I was at home. For example, when I'm writing a post and suddenly get a mental block, I would take a few minutes away from the keyboard and play with my dog, so that the stress would not build up and overwhelm me.
Aside from those, having proper rest was also very important to regulate stress and to make sure our body recovers from yesterday's task. When I woke up early, I would go for a morning run before I went to work, or if not, I would go to the gym after my work because exercise is a perfect stress reliever. Just be mindful not to overwork yourself and cause an injury, which will be another form of stress by itself, as I previously experienced it myself.
PS: It's not misspelled. It's a reference to this song.
And to make the best out of life, despite the constant stress that we face, it is important to give time for ourselves to do the things that we like, and not only do the things that can cause us stress. For example, I do not spend all my time on work; there are times when I would treat myself to a concert, which also served as a kind of reward after all the stress that I've gone through. In a way, that reward also serves as a positive reinforcement for my efforts. That time, I will forget anything that causes me stress and just enjoy the show to its full extent.
And that was how I tried to manage my stress, among the many ways to handle it. It may not completely separate us from stress, but it is way better than being completely overwhelmed by it.
Thank you for reading my post, and see you in the next one!
