Well-managed stress actually provides many benefits. However, stress that is left without proper handling is actually harmful to health. Therefore, know how to manage stress that is effective.
Constant stress has a negative effect on health. With proper stress management, you can carry out activities with full motivation. What are the negative effects of stress and how to manage stress appropriately? Check out the full information in this article.
Table of Contents
Negative Impact of Stress
Stress without treatment makes a person susceptible to disease. Diseases that may be experienced when under stress, namely:
- Diseases related to the skin or hair, such as psoriasis or hair loss.
- Diseases related to digestion, such as GERD, ulcerative colitis, or gastritis.
- Sexual disorders, such as decreased sexual desire or premature ejaculation.
- Menstrual disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Sleep disorders.
- Psychiatric illness, such as depression or anxiety.
- Cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, heart attack or stroke.
To prevent complications that endanger health, proper stress management is needed.
Various Effective Ways to Manage Stress
Effective stress management starts with finding the cause. If the cause has been addressed, stress will be more easily cured. However, if the cause of stress has not been resolved, you can apply the following powerful stress management measures:
1. Share stories
Keeping your own fears and worries will only exacerbate stress. Therefore, express all the things you feel and think to your family, friends, or a psychologist. This method is believed to make the mood better.
2. Exercise regularly
Besides being beneficial for health, exercising can relieve your stress. Exercise is also effective at relaxing and distracting you from stress and worries, thus building a positive way of thinking. Choose sports that are simple and practical, such as cycling or jogging.
3. Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, are effective for reducing stress. Meditation is useful for relaxing you, thus diverting your attention from the worries and stresses that trigger stress. Try to meditate for at least 10-15 minutes a week.
4. Doing hobbies that haven’t been done for a long time
If you have a long-forgotten hobby, such as singing, watching movies, cooking, photography or traveling, do not hesitate to practice it. These activities are effective in creating happiness naturally, so that your body and mind can relax.
5. Changing habits
Changing habits is the right way to manage stress. Therefore, adopt positive habits, such as eating a balanced nutritional diet, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, and getting quality sleep.
6. Smile
Want to relieve stress? Try to smile often. Quoted from Sage Journals, smiling effectively builds a positive way of thinking and improves mood. In fact, even a smile that is not genuine can relieve stress. When you smile, your brain triggers a reaction associated with an uplifting mood.
7. Play with pets
Playing with pets, such as cats or dogs, can calm the mind, thereby effectively reducing stress. Cats and dogs are considered to be able to embody the human need to express affection.
If the various ways of managing stress above have not been effective in reducing your stress, you should visit a psychologist or psychiatrist to get the treatment you need.