HOW TO MANAGE STRESS EFFECTIVELY

Stress is principally a physical reaction.According to Psychology annual stress survey, average stress levels in the world is always on the rise. Short-term stress can be helpful, but long-term stress is linked to various health conditions. When we are faced with stress the body produces larger quantities of the chemicals cortisol, adrenaline, and nor-adrenaline. These trigger an increased heart rate, heightened muscle preparedness, sweating, and alertness.Even though you are not stressed a fore-hand knowledge of how to handle it can help when the time comes.
CAUSES OF STRESS

There are various causes that can lead to stress but here are few of them:
        job issues, unemployment, sack
        lack of time or money

•          family problems
•         illness
•       relationships, marriage, and divorce
•         abortion, miscarriage, pregnancy and becoming a parent
•          driving in heavy traffic fear
•          excessive noise, overcrowding, and pollution
•         uncertainty or waiting for an important outcome
•          depression, or an accumulated sense of frustration and anxiety
•          Some people experience stress after a traumatic event, such as an accident or some kind of abuse. 
• SIGNS
•       Stress slows normal bodily functions, such as the digestive and immune systems
• ·        rapid breathing
• ·        a heightened state of alertness prevents sleep
• ·        the muscles become tense
• ·        immune activity decreases
• ·        sleeping difficulties
• ·        anger
• ·        burnout, concentration issues
• ·        nail biting, restlessness
• ·        pain in the back or chest
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• HELP TIPS TO PREPARE FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
• ·        Seek professional help. A doctor or psychiatric specialist, a counselor, therapist can often help through stress management training.
• ·        Avoid taking antidepressant there is a risk that the medication will only mask the stress, rather than help you deal and cope with it and beside it comes with its own adverse effects.
• ·        Set aside some time each day just for yourself. Use it to organize your life, relax, and pursue your own interests.
• ·        Joining of support network. people to develop networks of social support, for example, by talking to neighbors, family and others in the local community, or joining a club, charity, or religious organization.
• ·        Set aside time each day for reading a book, going for a walk, listening to music, or spending time with a friend or a pet. Going to a gym helps some people.
• ·        A healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables helps maintain the immune system at times of stress. A poor diet will lead to ill health and additional stress.
• ·        Studies have shown that exercise can benefit a person's mental and physical state and take away stress.

Alcohol and drugs will not help prevent stress, and they can make it worse. They should be cut out or reduced.