Some common symptoms of stress include sleeplessness, weight gain or loss, stomach pain, irritability, panic attacks, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and social isolation.
Facts & Figures (According to a survey conducted by Cigna TTK Health Insurance):
• Stress levels are relatively high in India compared to other developing countries.
• About 89% of the Indian population is suffering from stress, while the global average is 86%.
• Nearly 75% of respondents do not feel comfortable talking to a medical professional about their stress.
• The survey by Cigna TTK Health Insurance explored five key aspects of respondents — physical, family, social, finances, and work.
• The survey covered over 14,000 people in 23 markets around the world.
• Although extra working hours have made employees financially sound, it has also affected their mental health.
• Other studies too suggest the same trend. For instance, almost 1 out of 5 adolescents in India suffer from some level of mental morbidity, according to the research by Bengaluru-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to cope with stress. Here are some practical ideas for managing stress:
• Identify the source of stress
• Promote Self-Care
• Have some ‘Me Time’
• Create reasonable boundaries
• Do what you love
• Eat healthy and nutritious Food
• Be optimistic
• Manage your time well
• Meditation
• Build Resilience
• Take your holiday leaves
• Avoid unhealthy habits
• Do smart work rather than hard
• Give yourself a break to relax
• Open up to people
• Express your feelings
• Set reasonable expectations
• Get a hug from the loved one
• Develop a constructive ‘self-talk’ habit
• Practice Yoga
• Get rid of things that add to your stress
• Obtain social support
• Exercise regularly
• Join a gym
• Think about the good things in your life
• Express gratitude
• Eat a balanced diet
• Learn to say NO
• Avoid people who bother you
• Reframe the issue
• Look at the big picture
• Learn from your mistakes
In short, dealing with stress is not a “one size fits all” approach. Rather everyone reacts to stressful situations differently. It is the need of the hour to address the psychological problems by embracing the above-mentioned ways.