Almost everyone has experienced stress. However, this condition should not be allowed to drag on. So that stress does not continue to cause health problems, there are various easy ways to deal with stress that you can do.
Stress is a very common condition. Under normal circumstances, stress can have a positive effect, for example, helping you work faster when you have to complete a task before a deadline.
However, stress can also have a negative impact if it occurs frequently, is prolonged, or is left untreated.
Impact of Stress on Health
Prolonged stress can trigger various diseases. When stressed, the body releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which make the heart work faster. These hormones can also make you feel tired easily.
In addition, the immune system of someone who is under stress will also decrease. It becomes difficult for the body to fight off viruses or bacteria and you are more susceptible to disease. There are several diseases that you can experience when stressed, including:
- Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, and GERD
- Skin and hair problems, such as permanent hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, and acne
- Sexual dysfunction, such as premature ejaculation, impotence, and loss of sexual desire
- Menstrual disorders, also aggravate PMS symptoms
- Obesity and other eating disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and heart disease
- Mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
So that stress does not get worse or cause health problems, it is important for everyone to be able to reduce and control stress properly.
Various Easy Ways to Overcome Stress
The main step in dealing with stress is to find out the cause of the stress that arises. That way, you can think of a way out. If the cause of the problem can be solved, stress can also be resolved by itself.
While the cause of stress has not been resolved, do the following things to deal with stress and make the mind more relaxed:
1. Express your complaints
Holding on to feelings can be stressful. It's better to release the burden by revealing all the things that are on your mind to the closest person or a psychologist. Trust me, after all the complaints are removed, you will feel much better.
2. Exercise regularly
In addition to making the body healthier, exercise can also relieve stress. By exercising, the muscles of the body will be more relaxed and your mind will be distracted so that it can improve your mood.
You don't need to do strenuous exercise to relieve stress. Just do a simple exercise, such as a leisurely walk or cycling.
3. Do meditation
Meditation or yoga for 10-15 minutes and done 4-5 times a week can calm your mind. Meditation can lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, so you can feel calmer.
4. Do fun activities
Doing fun activities, such as cooking, gardening, keeping plants in the house, painting, or just singing, can make the body produce the happy hormone, namely dopamine. That way, your body and mind can be more relaxed.
However, make sure the activities you do are positive so as not to cause new problems.
5. Focus on the present moment
Don't be stuck in an event that has happened for too long, especially if it made you sad. Just live in the moment and don't worry about what will happen in the future.
Living life with happy feelings and positive thoughts can have a good influence on your life in the future.
6. Apply a healthy lifestyle
Always apply a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, not smoking, not consuming alcoholic beverages such as rum, and not using illegal drugs.
Do not let stress drag on and get worse to cause health problems. If the various ways to deal with stress above don't work to get you out of stress, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.