Stress To De-Stress

Words: Jawahar NIDAMBOOR

Nobody is exempt from stress. Stress is omnipresent; even universal. It is the ‘signature-tune’ of life, in a manner of speaking.

Not all stresses are stressful or negative, though — if one deals with it effectively, stress can work and help us to reach our goals more quickly. You’d call this ‘good’ stress, or ‘eustress’ — it prompts and drives us to do well in life. Eustress may be defined as agreeable, or calming stress. This is because such a ‘well-directed’ stress gives us our competitive edge in performance-related activities like academics, career, sports, giving a speech, or acting. For example, if you are going through a job interview, you will benefit from a certain amount of stress. It is such ‘motivating’ stress that provides us with good, sharp focus; it also ‘pumps’ us up with that ‘spirited frame,’ stirring us to think quickly, clearly and also express our thoughts in ways that could ‘jazz-up’ the whole interview process.

Uncontrolled or chronic stress can, on the other hand, trigger a host of adverse effects on our system. It can lead to emotional illness — apart from major health disorders, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer etc.,

Yet, in the midst of gloom, it is possible to cope with stress. This, in simple terms, is called stress management. It is aimed to beat the many pressures of life. Just think of it — enthralling vacations at captivating locations, protracted holistic massage sessions, a Goan cruise and/or shortened work schedules.

Here’s more, if you don’t fancy such ‘relaxation’ ideas, or course of action, in your stress supervision attaché case —

Recognise your ‘shortfall.’ Be open. Frank. When you are candid, you awaken your thought process, including the flaws that come with it. You will also be able to create your own inner environment of synchronisation, healing or optimism, and handle stressful situations in life well.

Bond with core values. All of us have our own handbag of core values — big, or small — which guides our life and destiny. When we relinquish our core values, even if it’s just one among the handful we value, we feel ‘out of tune’ with ourselves. So, keep a close watch on the equation of harmonious living — you will be much better off for it.

Get glued to the basics. When you are too obsessed with the details of your professional career, you do not pay attention to your natural instincts. You overlook your own genuine needs, or feelings.

There is a way. Take some time off from your regular chores and plunge yourself into a relaxed meditation session for 20-30 minutes, every day.

Think in another way. Do not always think with a ‘straight-jacketed’ approach to dealing with stress. For example, if you feel or find you have a problem at work, you will do well to indulge in self-talk. The outcome? You will be astounded with your own veiled, or latent, capabilities, which you did not know existed.

Laugh. Yes — because, laughter is the best medicine. Laughing your heart out has deep healing effects — it is said to work even better than a workout. Laughing, in fact, helps us to discharge just as much endorphins, the feel-good chemical, as does a session of aerobic exercise.

‘To hell’ with schedules or planned holidays. Stress management does not ask for a planned, pricey, or ‘spur-of-the-moment’ voyage to a serene location. It calls for some exceptionally straightforward, simple pleasures of life — like spending quality time alone, or with family and friends.

Food for thought. Stick to a balanced diet regime. Eat at least 4-5 servings of assorted veggies every day. Take a multivitamin pill, fortified with B-vitamins, as part of your daily plan. You’d, in addition, add a calcium-vitamin D3-magnesium supplement. Magnesium is known to reduce the pangs of heightened anxiety and stress — a result of frenzied living. A daily vitamin C supplement too, likewise, eases the drag of stress, or the song of our frantic ‘burden’ and its accompanying distress. Speak to a healthcare professional for suitable, or optimal, supplemental dosages.

JAWAHAR NIDAMBOOR, BPharm, MSc [UK], in Industrial Pharmaceutics, PGD in Drug Regulatory Affairs, and PGD in Marketing Management, is a marketing and communications professional, independent researcher, teacher, life coach, writer, and co-author of four books on natural health and wellness. A mentor with DRIVES [Entrepreneurship Cell] at D Y Patil College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai, Nidamboor also manages Spatika Content, Foster Mind Academy [Overseas Education Consultancy], and KwaliTea, a premium online tea business. He lives in Navi Mumbai, India.