Best Stress Busters for Acute and Chronic Stress
Healthful Vitality | 10/23/2021 | By NP Contributor | Best Stress Busters for Acute and Chronic Stress
How much any condition causes stress greatly depends on individual sensitivities—moreover, the source of stress varies for people. Fortunately, most people realize what the source of stress for them is. Unmanaged stress is bad, as it may lead to chronic stress and worsening of physical health.
Stress busters are non-pharmacological ways of getting rid of stress. They especially work well when used during bouts of stress or immediately after it. It is about realizing the source of stress and busting it at the earliest.
If the source of stress is long-lasting, like the loss of a job, some major financial problem, then one can use stress busters more frequently to keep the level of stress low.
Stress busters for acute and chronic stress
Below are some stress busters that work both for acute and chronic stress:
1. Take control:
It is about actively trying to solve the existing problem. Staying passive or abusing substances is not going to solve the problems and only make them worse. It does not matter how big the problem may seem; they are still surmountable.
2. Get physically active:
Most people living with chronic stress would have sleep disorders and avoid engaging in physical activities. However, physical activities are the best way of overcoming stress. One may join a gym, or start playing some sports, or even daily jogging will help considerably.
3. Start socializing:
Withdrawing from social interaction is not going to help. Socializing does not necessarily mean sharing your problems with others. It may be just talking, laughing, eating together. Humans are emotional beings, and socializing, discussing various small matters help considerably.
4. Give yourself a break:
Some people are too busy with business, jobs, or other matters. They never seem to have enough time for themselves. However, experts recommend that everyone should devote some time to themselves, it could be like two hours a day, or a day at the weekend. During this time, just relax, exercise, meet friends, and do whatever you like.
5. Provide yourself with new challenges:
It not only boosts confidence; it also helps acquire new skills. This means trying to do something you have always found difficult. It could be learning new sports (like rock climbing), music, language, preparing for some trek, and so on. Engaging in challenging tasks keeps the brain engaged.
6. Engage in charity work:
It may not be for everyone. However, helping others is a highly rewarding task. Moreover, it helps a person realize that others are in much worse condition, and still many are managing their lives.
7. Prioritize tasks:
People living with stress have issues in completing their tasks. As these tasks pile up, they become the source of stress. Thus, it is good to prioritize tasks to establish something at the end of each day.
8. Practice positive attitude:
It is easier said than done. Nonetheless, with enough practice, one may change the thinking pattern. Once a person gets into the habit of thinking positively, it is easier to manage stress.
9. Nap:
Quite often, a simple act of having a nap may be enough to get rid of the stress, and after 20-30 minutes, one may wake up feeling fresh and cheerful.
10. Avoid bad habits:
Finally, the last piece of advice is about what not to do. Abusing drugs or alcohol is not going to solve the problem. They are only going to make things worse.
Related: Fun Stress Management Activities.