Introduction
Stress is the overstimulation that people experience when confronted with demands that are too emotional or mental for them to handle. Because our world is so demanding, we frequently find ourselves overwhelmed by various things. We have a lot on our plates, but not enough time to complete everything. Our bodies occasionally give us clues that could help us recognize stress, but it often takes a harmful circumstance for us to realize that we need to stop doing some of the things we are doing.
Stress can completely ruin our lives by making us feel out of control. It disrupts people’s lives because it affects not only the person experiencing it but also those close to them. By harming the heart and gums, it has an impact on someone’s health. It also makes one more vulnerable to other diseases, which could be avoided.
Stress can affect the brain and harm health if not adequately addressed promptly. Every day, life is full of stress and involves different people. Stress management is essential for sustaining healthy physical and mental health.
A stress diary is an efficient technique for determining stress causes and creating coping mechanisms. In this essay, I will write about my experiences with anxiety, the patterns I have found in my stressors, and the lifestyle adjustments I have taken to lead a healthy existence. I will also look at trends in my academics, food, exercise, and sleep, and what I did to reverse the trends on poor days.
Trends in Stressors
After writing down my stressors in the diary, I discovered that some were more frequent than others. The most frequent stressors were those related to school, followed by those related to families, money, and health. Furthermore, I observed that some stressors were more intense than others. For instance, I was more stressed about being woken up too early and given little time to dress up. I was confused by some questions, but I wanted to get a good grade for my science and have breakfast served quickly.
Furthermore, some stressors were easier to manage than others. I could manage my nutrition, but not regulate school exams. By noticing these patterns in my stress, I created stress-reduction plans. Every difficult circumstance cannot be avoided since I must deal with those that must be dealt with.
However, I have found that I can reduce some sources of stress in my life and deal with them effectively. I have grown to live within my constraints by being aware of them. I only take on obligations in my personal life that I know I can handle. I have concluded that taking on more responsibilities than I can control will make me stressed.
Lifestyle Modifications for Healthy Living
To encourage healthy living, I changed my lifestyle in response to stress. I prioritized self-care activities, including physical exercise, a healthy diet, and enough sleep. I also practised calming techniques like meditation and deep breathing. I also sought social support by disclosing my worries to friends and relatives. I felt more in control, and my stress levels were lower due to these improvements.
Drinking water is my second strategy for keeping myself healthy. Water is necessary for life to exist. Since it is engaged in so many biological functions, it is especially significant. Because it is an essential detoxifier that frees my body from pollutants, I always eat a lot of it.
Urine and sweat are waste products, including hazardous compounds that can be removed with water (McGuigan, 2019). Although some people think they get enough water from other drinks and beverages, drinking pure water is always the best choice. Water is a vital tool I use to keep myself healthy because it eases minor ailments and enhances general well-being.
The body requires a well-balanced diet with all the needed nutrients. Nevertheless, this does not provide the body with all the required nutrients. Mineral supplements are part of my health maintenance strategy. Due to the additional minerals and vitamins they contain, mineral supplements are necessary for the body. Although it is a simple strategy that most people overlook, I use it to maintain my health and continue my life.
Trends in Work, Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise
I kept track of my eating habits, workout routine, and work-related activities in the stress journal. On excellent days, I regularly slept, consumed wholesome foods, exercised frequently, and had successful workdays. On poor days, though, I saw patterns in these places. For instance, I would struggle to fall asleep, which would sap my energy and make it difficult to focus. In addition, I would frequently skip workouts, eat poorly, and have unproductive workdays.
Bargaining Methods
I used coping mechanisms, including exercise, meditation, and social support, to reduce my stress. Exercising helped me release tension and improve my mood, making it a proper stress-management technique. Deep breathing exercises and meditation also assisted me in de-stressing and calming my mind.
Additionally, sharing my stressors with friends and family gave me a supportive environment, which diminished my sense of isolation. Even if they cannot provide solutions, talking to trusted people about my problems is still beneficial (McGuigan, 2019). This sharing relieves my stress since I can talk about my issues and feel better.
I have also realized that people occasionally mistreat me in our imperfect world. I will only continue to feel stressed if I allow unpleasant things to be done to me. Forgiving those who have wronged me is the best strategy for reducing stress.
Why I Did Not Alter My Behavior
I first struggled with changing my lifestyle for several reasons. First, I was unmotivated and felt overpowered by the necessary modifications. Second, my hectic schedule made it difficult for me to find time for self-care activities. Finally, it was challenging for me to change my bad habits and adopt new, healthy ones.
I initially found it difficult to alter my lifestyle and coping mechanisms. I had a hard time forming new habits and breaking old ones. In addition, I frequently felt overburdened by the obligations of daily life and found it challenging to put my well-being first. But I was determined to make these changes after realizing they were essential for effective stress management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, controlling stress is essential for maintaining excellent physical and mental health. Stress is a typical occurrence. People can learn how to recognize the causes of their stress and build coping mechanisms by keeping a stress diary.
I observed patterns in my stressors, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and work, and implemented stress-reduction measures, including training and social support. It was difficult for me to alter my way of life to promote healthy living, but over time, I created new habits and lowered my stress levels. It takes commitment and work to manage stress, but it is worthwhile for your health and well-being.
Reference
McGuigan, F. J. (2019). Stress management through progressive relaxation. International Journal of Stress Management, 1(2), 205–214. Web.