Top 10 ways to beat stress

Fitness expert Namita Jain says that stress levels amongst women are high today. She tell us how you can identify the warning signs and beat stress.

Women today, are more likely than men to play multiple roles of the employee, spouse, housekeeper and caretaker. 

Working mothers, regardless of whether they are married or single, face higher stress levels. Coping with jobs that place high demands on them and the emotional trauma of being away from children and then trying to make it up by being the 'super mom', only increases stress levels. While at work women may be confronted with similar work pressures as men, their psychological and physical stressors are unique.

Women are genetically prone to stress caused by hormone changes.

These changes occur during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. They are also more susceptible to developing depression and anxiety disorders compared to men.

Warning signals

It is important to understand the warning signals sent out in response to a physical and emotional overload. When the nervous system is over-stimulated repeatedly and over a long period of time, the body and mind adapt for a while and then can break down.

Stress can leave you feeling drained. This can result in a weakened immune system, disturbed sleep and weight gain or weight loss.

• Restlessness, lack of energy, muscle fatigue, irritability
• Difficulty sleeping, restless sleep
• Feeling keyed up or on-the-edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Constant worry

Bottling things up is one of the worst things we can do, as it creates a volatile build-up of emotions that may explode anytime. Make a conscious effort to release stress regularly.

Prioritise

Determine which areas in your life are really important.

Simplify

Do not complicate your life. Simplify wherever possible.

Share

It is great to share responsibility and ask for help.

Communicate

Talking through problems is a great stress buster.

Slow down

Don't be hard on yourself. Do things that are meaningful.

Rest

Sleep and rest are rejuvenating.

Eat sensibly

A balanced diet makes you feel good and provides you with energy.

Exercise regularly

Any physical activity, be it yoga, breathing techniques, stretching exercises, running or martial arts - can help release stress. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are hormones that produce a sense of well-being and reduce stress.

Accentuate the positive

Positive thinking and an optimistic outlook is demonstrating your skills to their best advantage while you stay calm and focused. A fundamental prerequisite for viewing the world positively is to feel good about yourself.

Use positive affirmations

• I can do this.
• I am calm, centred and strong.
• As I master this experience, I am getting stronger.
• I am doing my best, and my best is very good.