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Stress is a natural human response to challenges. The resulting worry and mental tension from stress can impact your overall well-being and, ironically, your ability to deal with the problems causing the stress.

Stress can cause anxiety, irritation, headaches, stomach issues, sleep problems, and a loss of appetite. Chronic stress can also worsen pre-existing health issues and could make you want to turn to alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances as stress relief. It can also worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety can make you withdraw from human interaction and social settings and spend more time on social media and on your smartphone or other electronic devices. Unfortunately, this can have psychological repercussions, lead to cognitive impairment, and impact your efficiency, productivity, and performance at work. Overuse of social media has been demonstrated to increase stress and mental and physical health issues; despite the opportunity it provides to connect with other people.

Persistent stress symptoms can interfere with your daily life, especially at work or school. When faced with stressful circumstances, everyone behaves differently. Coping strategies and stress symptoms differ from person to person. So, if you aren’t always able to deal with stressful circumstances, don’t beat yourself up.

By learning how to manage your emotions and getting to grips with stress management techniques, you can improve your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing.

However, there are ways to deal with stress:

• A good diet. Maintain a healthy diet, eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Get used to saying "no”. When you feel overburdened, practise saying "no."
• Organise yourself. To help you prioritise and concentrate on the most crucial things, use "to do" lists.
• Don’t forget to laugh. It's your body's built-in stress relief system.
• Engage in a hobby you enjoy. Set aside some time for leisurely activities or other enjoyable pursuits; do what makes you happy.
• Start moving. Because it provides a distraction, releases mood-enhancing endorphins, and gives frustration a place to go, exercise is a great way to reduce stress.
• Get enough rest. Sleep for 7 to 9 hours every night. If you have trouble falling asleep, read up about good sleep practises. Your sleep hygiene is vital.
• Acquire the ability to accept what you cannot alter. Instead, concentrate your efforts on the things under your control.
• Talk to somebody. Speak to someone if you need help managing your stress, whether it's a friend, family member, or a professional like a psychologist or social worker.
• Limit your time spent watching the news. Spending too much time watching the news on television or on social media might lead to stress. Limit your time spent watching the news if it causes you tension.

Sources:

HeartFoundation.2017-2020. Healthy Living: Available [Online]: https://heartfoundation.co.za/reduce-stress/

World Health Organisation.2023. Available [Online]: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress/

Cliff Harvey.2020. Carb-Appropriate Research Review, Health Tips, Life & Purpose, Patrons Only. Available [Online]: https://cliffharvey.com/the-effects-of-social-media-on-stress/

But First Joy.2023.20+ FUN HOBBIES THAT RELIEVE STRESS. Available [Online]: https://butfirstjoy.com/hobbies-that-relieve-stress/