Stress is a condition that is felt when someone faces a challenge, or is in a situation that requires us to adjust or adapt quickly to a change. When stress makes us more driven and motivated, this stress is called eustress or positive stress.
Eustress is useful in stimulating creativity, creating inspiration and feelings of happiness, and making the body healthy. Eustress is needed, for example to help us complete work before a given deadline, pursue achievements or achievements and so on.
On the other hand, distress is negative stress that arises when we are unable to overcome the pressure or challenges we face. Distress is a feeling of discomfort, overwhelm, anxiety and restlessness, which if sustained at high intensity, over time will damage mental health.
Causes of stress
There are various kinds of stress that can happen to anyone, such as:
Workload
Unrealistic workloads, high demands at work accompanied by a lack of control over work, and a lack of balance between work and personal life can trigger stress.
Economic Crisis
Financial problems or mounting debt can cause anxiety and stress in a person.
Bad Event
Bad events experienced such as job loss, divorce, death of a loved one and the like can cause distress.
Chronic Disease
Suffering from chronic illnesses or health problems and long-term injuries can be a source of stress.
Uncertainty
Worries and insecurities about the future, education or career can create emotional tension.
Unsafe Environment
Unsafe and unstable environmental conditions, such as areas of conflict, war and riots, or experiencing natural disasters, can cause stress and discomfort.
How to deal with stress
The most effective way to relieve stress is to manage it well. The following are steps you can take to manage stress.
Counseling
Express your thoughts and feelings to the people closest to you or those you trust. You can also do counseling and ask for help from health workers and psychiatrists.
Eating Healthy Food
Another way to relieve stress is to maintain health and meet nutritional needs with nutritious food. Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger stress, such as alcohol, sugar, foods and drinks that are high in salt and caffeine.
Increase fish, fruit, vegetables, whole grains and nuts, especially those rich in B vitamins and magnesium, which play a role in regulating mood.
Exercise and Physical Activity
When exercising and moving, the body releases endorphins which can make the body more relaxed and put you in a better mood. Exercising can also divert your mind from things that have been bothering you.
Do regular exercise or physical activity for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week. Some types of exercise that can be done include leisurely walking, jogging, cycling or swimming. You can also do household activities, such as cleaning the house or gardening.
Do activities that interest you
Doing fun activities according to hobbies, such as reading books, cooking, playing music, painting, singing and dancing, or playing with pets can trigger the release of the hormone dopamine. The hormone dopamine is a happy hormone that can make the body more relaxed and the mind calm.
Think Positively and Calmly
Always try and try to find positive things from the events or challenges you experience. Meditation can help you focus on positive thoughts and calm yourself.
Get enough sleep
Lack of time and quality sleep can reduce mood, energy and concentration. When sleeping the brain and body rest. Create a good sleep routine, such as dimming the lights, avoiding using gadgets at least an hour before bed, and going to bed at the same time consistently. Immediately go to a health care facility for consultation if you experience difficulty sleeping or decreased sleep quality.
Worship and Get Closer to God
Increasing worship and getting closer to the Almighty is believed to increase your faith, and help you be calmer and more steadfast and away from negative thoughts.
How to treat stress
As for how to treat stress, you can do it with the following steps.
Find the cause
Knowing the factors that trigger stress can be the first step to solving it.
Found the solution
If you have found the cause, all you have to do is look for a solution to solve the problem. Start with the solution that is easiest to implement and plan further.
Consultation with Professional Staff
If you can’t find the cause of stress and a solution, ask for professional help, such as a doctor or psychiatrist. A doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed, or perform cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a clinical psychologist or psychiatric nurse.
Continue to practice clean and healthy living habits, and immediately consult a doctor or psychiatrist if you need help dealing with stress.
