By Azba Ilyas Shaikh 

Truly, doesn’t it just take one negative thought to put you off for the rest of the day? Even though stress is inevitable, a part of life and the fact none of us are immune to it, it has emerged to become an important topic of discussion in today’s date and age. 

Are you about to take a big test? Have a huge loan to pay off? Lost a loved one? Moved to a new place? Lost your job? Got divorced? Honestly, the possibilities are ENDLESS. 

We recognize National Stress Awareness Month this April as it has since 1992 and aim to spread and develop knowledge of the negative impacts of stress and what you can do about it. 

Indeed, having gone through the recent, sudden and immediate changes by the COVID-19 pandemic, statistics show 67% of people in the United States have faced heightened stress found by the American Psychological Association and has placed the necessity of more people coming together this year. 

Our mind and body are always in sync, which is why it believed a person who thinks he feels sick will most probably end up sick. Being chronically stressed puts one at risk of many health issues such as heart diseases and strokes to name a few. 

Do you know our body produces hormones as a response to stress? The “fight or flight” responds to danger/stress. That “adrenaline rush” you feel is your body telling you “You are in trouble! Don’t worry, I got this!” So now imagine, when all these substances which are supposed to show up only in certain situations, are now running continuously through your system cause of the ongoing stress? Give yourself and your body a BREAK! 

With the fast-paced environment we exist in, sometimes it becomes difficult to take a moment and address what you are feeling, prompting you to suppress it in order to focus on your current task. While that is a mature way to build resilience, it’s temporary and you would need more methods to acknowledge the concern. 

Here are some best ways that can help you cope! 

• The best thing you can ever do for yourself is to talk and spend time with someone – a close one, a friend, an elder, even a psychologist. It is important to surround yourself with a strong support system both at home and work. 
• Physical Activity – From taking a simple, short walk in nature to going to the gym, being on the move does great in realigning ourselves with positivity. 
• Meditation and breathing exercises. 
• Maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting enough of sleep. Food for the soul right? 
• Journaling – Sometimes pouring our heart out on paper gives us a moment of power and relief. 
• Take AS MANY breaks as needed. 
• If your stress is rising from a certain source, maybe it’s time to make some changes. 
• Avoid drinking and smoking. 

REMEMBER – Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow but surely does rob today of its joy!