Patience Leonard, PBA Journalism MenteeA Nigerian global health advocate and Twitter influencer, Dr. Chinonso Egemba popular called Aproko Doctor has shared 8 ways to manage stress instead of avoiding it.
“Managing stress is your responsibility. Whether you like it or not, if you don’t reduce it, it will reduce you.” He said.
He continued, “If you feel the need to talk to someone, please do, if you’re stressed, you perform less efficiently. Get support from people. Talk to others.”
Here are the 8 practical ways to manage stress according to Dr. Chinonso Egemba
I. Sleep well.
Sleep is vital in maintaining good health status of an individual. Modern day living in busy cities like Lagos can be health demanding. Therefore, adequate sleep is needed for productivity, concentration, and cognition. A report by MedicalNewsToday opined that the benefits of healthy sleeping habits includes, productivity, lower weight gain risk, calorie regulation, greater athletic performance, lower risk of heart disease, emotional intelligence, prevention of depression etc.
II. Focus on the things you can change.
Good focus helps us to get rid of distractions in everyday happenings and increases mindfulness. According to the Mayo Clinic, being mindful means you can maintain moment-to-moment awareness of where you are and what you’re doing. Worry and doubt contributes largely to human stress. To avoid stress caused by lack of focus, worry less and focus on the things you can change.
III. Realize that you can’t change everything and you need to accept that as quickly as possible.
Many people try to run away from life challenges to indulge in activities that increases their stress level.
IV. Exercise regularly, when you’re fit, your body can fight stress better.
According to the information released by NHS, people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Research also tells that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, clinical depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
V. Try meditation.
Meditation is a training of attention and awareness such as mindfulness to achieve a clear mental and emotional state. According to Mayo Clinic, Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Eat healthy meals, reduce your intake of junk food
VI. Try not to take caffeine after 12pm.
It can affect your sleep cycle. Other side effects include anxiety, digestive issues, muscle breakdown, addiction etc
VII. Don’t depend on drugs and alcohol to help you fight stress.
This can lead to addiction to the drugs. Drug addiction however has led many to early graves. Experts have warned users of drugs to avoid dependency on it.
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