Dealing with Stress

Researched by Mariel Liza Raymundo
Written by Chelle Asuncion

Everyday we are exposed to different stressors. They truly make us ill and cause many health problems. From mere sleeplessness to severe heart attacks up to digestive problems, stress makes an essential contributing factor. However, a research presented at the 115th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association by the University of Hawaii recently found evidence ti suggest that people who cope with stress well may have higher HDL “good” cholesterol levels than people who deals poorly with stress. Interestingly, subjects who dealt well with their stress did not show any decrease in LDL “bad” cholesterol level.

Important caveats to this discovery are that the subjects of the test were all men, mostly white and over 50 years old. Nonetheless, the findings showed an interesting relationship between cholesterol and stress that is sure to be the basis of future studies.

Failure, loss and sudden changes are the typical stressors we encounter. These stressors happen uncontrollably therefore learning to manage them is the utmost part. Identifying these stressors makes a significant step toward managing them.

There are numerous positive ways of coping with stress. Similarly there are also numerous negative ways. Finding yourself indulging to alcohol, drugs or certain foods could give you an instant feeling far from being stressed yet the fact that the stressor is still present and unchanged. The likelihood that it may just get worse might not be appealing in the end. Relaxation, exercise and communication are just few of the simple strategies of coping with stress.

Here are some constructive coping mechanisms that will help you battle stress:

Relax. Relaxation promotes clear thinking. One simple technique is to sit in a quiet room and picture yourself in a peaceful place like walking in the shore or breathing fresh air in a mountain peak, this method is known as Guided Imagery. Listening to a calm music is also a common way to relax. Other formal means are meditation and breathing exercises. If you have the rime, it will be helpful for you to engage to training programs of yoga or any other sports where you can provide yourself the time needed to revitalize your mind.

Exercise. Regular exercise releases endorphins which have stress-fighting properties. Simple stretching after an hour of heavy work creates the same comfort of waking up in a lovely sunny day. Experts suggest that 20 minutes of exercise thrice a week could be an effective stress reducer.

Communicate. Just like a radio program always say: Letting it out could make a big difference. Communication is one of the most effective ways to resolve a stressor. Either a problem was faced squarely and a relief was gained; or leave it as it is to let it boggle your mind endlessly. Confiding to a family member or to a friend soothes greatly. Seeking professional counseling or joining a support group may also be helpful. Journal or letter writing could also get your feelings out in the open and eventually release the kept uneasiness.