Stress is an emotional strain, mental tension, or worry caused by difficult situations. We experience stress during situations that are difficult to manage and control. Some say that a small amount of stress is beneficial as it helps us to complete our tasks on time. However, people experience more stress when they fail to handle responsibilities well and maintain a work-life balance. Stress can become a problem when it exists for a long time. It can affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Moreover, not dealing with stress can lead to diseases like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.
Prolonged stress can be fatal to mental health as well. It can cause anxiety and depression. Such people may experience insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and reduced emotional control. Though there are many techniques for controlling stress, like meditation, exercise, and engaging in hobbies, the best way to manage stress is to have a support system.
This support system is your family, friends, and the social network around you. The busy lifestyle has left us no time to interact with those around us. Technology has connected us to people around the globe but somewhere it has failed to connect our hearts. We have many in our contact list but are least bothered to communicate with them to share our feelings. Amidst stressful situations in life, family and friends are the greatest stress busters. Whenever, you are stressed, or feel nothing is in your control, the best way is to talk to someone you trust. Reach out to them, speak to them, and discuss honestly what you are going through. Your support network will help find solutions. They will ease your troubles and help to think differently about the situation.
Talking about your problems with your loved ones will reduce stress. Their love and comfort will promote happiness and contentment in your life. However, researchers have proven that people who prefer spending time with family and friends and have a good support network have healthier coping mechanisms. Such people are resilient to stress and have a lower perception of stress. The love and support of the people around them prevent them from feeling exhausted or numb. They are less susceptible to indulging in the wrong methods of coping with stress like drinking, smoking, and taking drugs.
Your support system of family and friends keeps you healthier. It is important to be mindful of their importance and existence in life. Try to express gratitude for their love and all those moments when they helped you come out of difficult situations. You can express gratitude by a small change in your behavior. Learn to listen to others. It will help to develop trust and confidence and strengthen your relationship. Learn to respond rather than react. Control your emotions, think for a while, or take time to think of the situation, realize your mistakes, and then answer. Immediate reactions will spoil your relationships. As you need family and friends around you in stressful situations, they also need you when they are in similar situations. As you expect to have a support system, you should be a support system for others, to become resilient and positive in life.
A strong support system reduces stress, makes you resilient, and helps you to have better mental health. It makes you feel good during happier moments and improves your mood when you feel low. Try to have better relationships, and make all the efforts to have better relationships. Build a support system that can support you during stressful systems. At the same time be a stronger support system for all those around you, and help others to be healthier, live longer, and have a stress-free life.
Dr. Anjum Qureshi,
Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering, Research & Technology, Chandrapur, India