Introduction

Stress management is the need of the hour. However hard we try to go beyond a stress
situation, life seems to find new ways of stressing us out and plaguing us with anxiety
attacks. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body exhaustion or our erring attitudes, we
tend to overlook causes of stress and the conditions triggered by those. In such unsettling
moments we often forget that stressors, if not escapable, are fairly manageable and
treatable.

Stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind disorders. Immediate
disorders such as dizzy spells, anxiety attacks, tension, sleeplessness, nervousness and
muscle cramps can all result in chronic health problems. They may also affect our
immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems and lead individuals to habitual addictions,
which are inter-linked with stress.

Like "stress reactions", "relaxation responses" and stress management techniques are
some of the body`s important built-in response systems. As a relaxation response the
body tries to get back balance in its homeostasis. Some hormones released during the
`fight or flight` situation prompt the body to replace the lost carbohydrates and fats, and
restore the energy level. The knotted nerves, tightened muscles and an exhausted mind
crave for looseners. Unfortunately, today, we don`t get relaxing and soothing situations
without asking. To be relaxed we have to strive to create such situations.

Recognizing A Stressor
It is important to recognize whether you are under stress or out of it. Many times, even if
we are under the influence of a stressful condition and our body reacts to it internally as
well as externally, we fail to realize that we are reacting under stress. This also happens
when the causes of stress are there long enough for us to get habituated to them. The
body constantly tries to tell us through symptoms such as rapid palpitation, dizzy spells,
tight muscles or various body aches that something is wrong. It is important to remain
attentive to such symptoms and to learn to cope with the situations.

We cope better with stressful situation, when we encounter them voluntarily. In cases of a
relocation, promotion or layoff, adventurous sports or having a baby, we tend to respond
positively under stress.But, when we are compelled into such situations against our will
or knowledge, more often than not, we wilt at the face of unknown and imagined threats.
For instance, stress may mount when one is coerced into undertaking some work against
one`s will.

Laughter
Adopting a humorous view towards life`s situations can take the edge off everyday
stressors. Not being too serious or in a constant alert mode helps maintain the equanimity
of mind and promote clear thinking. Being able to laugh stress away is the smartest way
to ward off its effects.

A sense of humor also allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities of life and
provides moments of delight. The emotions we experience directly affect our immune
system. The positive emotions can create neurochemical changes that buffer the
immunosuppressive effects of stress.

During stress, the adrenal gland releases corticosteroids, which are converted to cortisol
in the blood stream. These have an immunosuppressive effect. Dr. Lee Berk and fellow
researcher Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University School of Medicine have produced
carefully controlled studies showing that the experience of laughter lowers serum cortisol
levels, increases the amount and activity of T lymphocytes—the natural killer cells.
Laughter also increases the number of T cells that have suppresser receptors.

What Laughter Can Do Against Stress And Its Effects:

• Laughter lowers blood pressure and reduces hypertension.

.
• It provides good cardiac conditioning especially for those who are unable to perform
physical exercise.

• Reduces stress hormones (studies shows, laughter induces reduction of at least four of
neuroendocrine hormones—epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone, associated
with stress response).

• Laughter cleanses the lungs and body tissues of accumulated stale air as it empties more
air than it takes in. It is beneficial for patients suffering from emphysema and other
respiratory ailments.

• It increases muscle flexion, relaxation and fluent blood circulation in body.

• Boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting

proteins called Gamma-interferon and disease-destroying antibodies called B-cells.

• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins—body`s natural painkillers.

•Produces a general sense of well-being.

Stress can destroy the mental stability of any individual. So be it a kid,
corporate man or a housewife we all deal with stress and its management
during our walk of life. It is basically a condition that makes us
uncomfortable. Stress could be due to various reasons like financial
crunch, job loss, emotional and any other personal reasons.

It has a negative impact on the productivity of an individual and within no

time interest levels dip. People stay occupied with some thoughts and
getting out of it becomes difficult. At times people do not know that they
could be in a position of life threatening stress. Stress could bring with
itself a whole set of lifestyle diseases like blood pressure, diabetes and
lack of sleep. In an attempt to get relief from such conditions people try to
treat the individual ailments. However, they miss on the central root cause
of reducing or treating the stress.
It is imperative to understand that stress can never be eliminated it can
only be reduced. Too much of stress can be life threatening and at the
same time some stress is essential to drive performance. The mantra is to
manage stress in a rightful manner.

Stress can be managed in a number of ways. Some of the ways to

manage stress includes – playing a sport, exercise, yoga or indulging into
music. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list of activities. There
is no right or wrong ways to reduce stress. The core purpose is performing
a set of activities that can keep people busy and at the same time help in
stress reduction.

In order to get the best result people should follow a discipline in life. The
best way to avoid stress at work and in personal life is to be positive in
attitude. Things take time and the winner never quits. Keep trying and put
your full efforts and leave the result to the destiny.

Another tip would be not to indulge in contentious or debatable discussions

if possible. They can induce stress in individuals and might hamper their
productivity. Try not to carry office at home. This can destroy the personal
life of an individual.

Stress can be managed if some efforts are made in a smart manner. More
people across the world are falling prey to stress. They are investing
heavily in medicinal treatments. However, not realizing that the best way is
to manage it naturally. Therefore make an attempt to discover the healthy
change.
Impacts of Stress

Stress management is an essential step for you to take once you have determined you are
facing stressful situations in your life, regardless of the cause. Although there are helpful
types of stress that enables you to cater this added burst of energy into something positive
and productive, it is not recommended for your body. Long term stress can specifically
produce negative impacts on your health and is recognized to deteriorate your health
faster than some other diseases.

Furthermore, stress can reduce your capacity to perform and function well, either at
school or in the workplace. Therefore, stress isn't something to be dismissed. Aside from
the personal impacts you can experience from stress, it also affects how you deal with the
environment and the people in your lives. It is important to first know the causes of stress
then stress management techniques to achieve stress relief.

Knowing Your Stress Level

When it comes to stress management, determining the source of stress is often not
enough. For people who are often stressed, keeping a stress journal is highly
recommended in order for you to monitor the different levels of stress you are
experiencing and what effects it produced. This is an effective way for you to closely
study your levels of stress, its triggers, and for you to pinpoint exactly what you can do to
relieve yourself from it.

Starting on Stress Management

Now that you know the effects that stress can do to you, getting started on a stress
management method is necessary. Managing your stress helps you regain control over
your life, instead of being consumed by the amount of stress you had to deal with. Here's
how you can get started:

o Determine what causes stress in your life.

o Think of ways that you can reduce that stress.
o Formulate your stress management technique for relieving stress.

Steps To Take

One thing you need to keep in mind is that you cannot expect to totally get rid of stress. It
is a process wherein your initial goal would be to reduce the amount of stress in your life
until you eventually get rid of it.

The following ideas will help you establish a stress management method that could work
for you:

o Improve your time management skills. Most of your stress in life are a result of your
inability to squeeze in your plans within the time available to you. So, creating your
schedule will enable you to achieve more in less time. When creating your schedule, put
the most important items on top of your list.
o Study the way you react with stress. This requires your honesty to determine whether
your own coping mechanisms are effective or not. If not, then look for other means.
o Take care of your body. This is often the most neglected aspect of stress management.
Get enough rest and eat well. Your health is the most vital factor in stress management.
o Change your mindset. Oftentimes, stress is produced only by your mind. So, if that is
the case with you, then adopting a new perspective might reduce your stress levels.

Benefits To Stress Relief

If you cannot fully understand the importance of stress management, then try thinking in
reverse. Imagine yourself not suffering from the negative impacts of stress. Without the
negative results of stress in your life, then a person is able to enjoy a more satisfying and
stress-free life.

To sum it up, here are the benefits that can be derived with practicing an efficient stress
management method:

1. It improves your overall health status.

2. You are able to assume a more positive attitude and outlook in life.
3. It increases your productivity since you are able to focus clearly on your tasks.
4. You have better control over your emotions and how you respond to it.
5. And more importantly, you reduce or eliminate stress in your life.

Christian Harman is an internet marketer and self development coach who's passions
include helping people, reading, good food and soccer.