Stress

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Stress – April 1st, 2007

Mrs.Vijaya Meyyappan, M.E (Applied Electronics)

We hear of stress every now and then. What is stress? It is a factor that includes bodily or mental tension. Stress is associated with daily life, the workplace and family responsibilities.

A recent survey states that women are more stressed than men. Gone are the days when the kitchen used to be the boundary of a woman. In the past 5 to 6 decades, women have achieved great heights. Today’s woman has different roles to play as spouse, mother, caregiver, friend and / or working woman. She is no longer a housewife. She is rather called a homemaker. Women are at par with men and have proved to be competent and highly efficient. The number of women travellers will surpass the men travelling officially in the years between 2015 and 2020.

There are various reasons for stress. Women face a great deal of pressure in meeting the demands of home, career, occupational stress etc. as she is held responsible for her entire family’s happiness.

She is under pressure when children are highly demanding. She has to ensure that the children are in good health, follow good behaviour and do well in their examination.

She stresses herself over the mistakes and worries about the consequences.

She is stressed when she has to manage the household chores. This tends to multiply, when she gets a very little support from her husband.

She stresses herself when there is lack of appreciation for her efforts.

Stress results in various illness. What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms are headache, sleeping disorders, difficulty in concentrating, depression, short-temper, anxiety, stomach cramps etc.

When it comes to coping with stress, men and women differ. Men prefer to be left alone or they retaliate at the family members. Women are emotional and they meltdown and cry. They seek external support from their good friends.

As mentioned earlier, stress is related to various illnesses and is harmful to ones health. It is almost impossible to find ways to totally de-stress; but one can reduce stress by doing the following.

Have enough sleep . Get enough sleep. A recent article in The Straits Times reveals that scientists say that those who have an afternoon nap are less prone to heart diseases.

Eat right

A healthy balanced diet is important. Meals should include fruits, vegetables and protein and carbohydrates.

Plan your time and make time for yourself . It is always important to care for yourself. Reserve 15 to 20 minutes daily for yourself and only for yourself. Plan your time and, prioritize your activities.

Talk to your friends or write down your thoughts.  Women seek help from friends and after a talk, they seem to feel better and lighter at heart. Not all women talk to their friends. They can also write down their thoughts in a diary. What ever be it is, do not bottle up your feelings.

Get a hobby

Explore your interests and involve yourself in activities that make you feel better and more jubilant. You can also find joy by volunteering in your community.

Compromise

Analysts have said that it is not always good to argue. You can give in once in a while. Prolonging arguments only causes unnecessary stress and is a waste of time. Try to settle problems amicably.

It is said that working under women bosses is stressful because they want everything to be perfect. You should compromise and settle down for something less and avoid being stressed out.

Relax

The most important factor to de-stress is to relax your self. There are various ways to relax. Do some yoga. Deep breathing exercises can relax your body and mind. Meditation calms down and stabilizes your mind. You can play musical instruments or sit and listen to soothing music. You may watch a movie. Choose an entertaining movie that is not too heavy a subject. Comedies are entertaining and laughter makes you feel light at heart. You may also read a book to relax yourself.

Exercise

You may also relax by jogging, swimming, playing badminton two or three times a week. It is advised that you may consult a doctor before you begin your exercise regime.

Therapy – I recently came across an advertisement . Holistic therapy for mothers and children to de-stress before examinations. Yes, nowadays, therapists are available to de-stress mothers and children who are stressed by examinations. As a last resort, you may approach a well trained therapist and de-stress yourself.

Your life will be much happier and you will be able to take care of your family better as well as produce better results at work.

People are as happy as they make up their minds to be – Abe Lincoln

I have had many troubles in my life but the worst of them never came – James A. Garfield. Its not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it –  Hans Selye

Your health is in your hands; so take care of yourself.

The only difference between a diamond and a lump of coal is that the diamond had a little more pressure put on it!