Mental Health and Coping with Stress: Techniques, Causes, and Workplace Tips

In today’s rapidly changing world, peace of mind feels like a wealth, because stress seems to be an inherent part of life in every aspect of our activities. Whether it's work pressure, academic load, financial stress, or personal relationships, stress can damage our mental and physical health if it is left untreated for a long period.

Stress initiates negative thoughts and diverts our focus from the main goal. Stress is due to excessive production of the Cortisol hormone.

In this article, we will explore the concepts of mental health and stress, including how to cope with stress and techniques for stress management, as well as their importance.

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, and contribute to their community.

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand.

SIGNS OF STRESS:

Physical signs: headache, fatigue, rapid heartbeat
Mental signs: overthinking, concentration difficulty
Behavioural signs:nail biting, increased use of alcohol and drugs
Emotional signs: restlessness, depression, sadness

CAUSES OF STRESS:

Causes of stress might be any of the following:

Work pressure.
Academic problems.
Financial issues.
Personal relationship.
Health issues.

WHAT IS STRESS MANAGEMENT?

Stress management means reducing the negative impacts caused by stress and improving a person's physical and mental well-being. Stress management may include self-care, managing one's response to stress, and making changes to one's life when in a stressful situation.

ANXIETY AND STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES:

As stress is harmful to health, it's necessary to cope with it for emotional well-being and healthy living. Here are physical, physiological, lifestyle modification, social, and creative techniques through which stress can be managed properly:

PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT:

Some of the physical techniques to control cortisol hormone for stress management are as follows:

Exercise Regularly For Anxiety And Stress Relief.
Deep Breathing for Calmness.
Need an adequate amount of sleep for mindfulness and relaxation.

PHYSIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT:

Physiological activities that require stress management are as follows:

Mindfulness Meditation For Emotional Stability
Positive Thinking For Mental Health Care
Visualization For Emotional Stability

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION TO MANAGE STRESS:

Some lifestyle changes require changing your habits to cope with stress:

Time Management To Avoid Stress.
Healthy Diet For Life Balance Strategies.
Maintain A Routine For Stress Management.
Spend time with nature and your hobbies.
Talk with your best friend.
Engaging in social activities.
Listening to music.
Write a diary.

MENTAL HEALTH AND STRESS MANAGEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE:

For managers and employers:

The manager should encourage a happy and healthy workplace culture where counseling and mental health resources are available. They should provide flexible work schedules for proper learning and maintaining balance. Moreover, they must acknowledge the accomplishments and efforts of your employees.

For Workers:

Workers should establish reasonable objectives and must efficiently manage their time. They should take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, and exercising. If necessary, then they must express concerns about the workload.

COPING WITH STRESS FOR BRAIN HEALTH:

There are different ways to cope with stress for mental peace and brain health. For this, one should follow a healthy routine and time management skills so that the workload will be reduced. Also, Different techniques, as discussed earlier, like Relaxation techniques, physical techniques, or physiological techniques, should be encouraged. Meditation, massage, mindfulness, and reading all help a lot to relax your mind.

Stress can be overcome through cognitive behavioural therapy. A mental health professor helps you to learn techniques and strategies for proper management of stress. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)is the best technique that helps you respond to life stressors.

HOW SELF-CARE HELPS BUILD RESILIENCE FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT:

Self-care is an essential factor for stress management. A small change in daily routine can help build resilience for stressful circumstances. Eat healthy foods, engage in healthy and relaxing activities, practice time management techniques, and get proper sleep. Some people may also benefit from walking, reading, writing down their thoughts, and deep breathing.

“My advice would be if you’re feeling stressed, be kind to yourself, everything starts with you.”

WHEN STRESS BECOMES PROBLEMATIC:

Stress may become problematic, and you need to seek a doctor when you feel various signs and symptoms:

Severe Chest pain.
Anxiety and Depression.
Suicide thoughts.
Addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Rapid and irregular heartbeat.
Restlessness.

FAQs:

There are numerous frequently asked questions related to stress management and mental health. Some of them are discussed below;

EFFECT OF STRESS IN WOMEN:

Stress is much more harmful for women than for men. Stress causes changes in hormone balance in women that affect their menstruation and pregnancy. Stress causes mood swings, anger issues, frustration, depression, and anxiety. It also affects appetite, memory, and focus.

HOW STRESS AND PHYSICAL HEALTH RELATE WITH EACH OTHER:

Along with mental health, physical health is also affected by stress. Physical health is affected in numerous ways.COPD, chronic lung diseases, stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, heart attack, hormonal imbalance, menstruation, pregnancy issues, and different stomach issues are caused due to chronic stress.

HOW HAS MODERN LIFE INCREASED STRESS LEVELS?

Modern life has more hassles, conflicts, and ordinary challenges at the workplace. This is all due to the high cost of living, low wages, and inflation. Heavy workload, too much responsibility, working for long hours, and being unhappy and unsatisfied with your job and life a major causes for increased stress levels nowadays.

HOW DOES PLANNING REDUCE STRESS?

Planning helps to utilize time in proper ways. Planning helps to reduce stress by providing clarity and a sense of control over the schedule. They help you to organize and balance your life at a time, providing clarity and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Conclusion:

Stress management is crucial for proper, healthy living and maintaining a work balance in life. Cortisol production should be controlled, and Dopamine production will be encouraged to maintain a happy and peaceful life.