Stress can be situational, short-lived, and a positive force that drives performance, but if prolonged, it can turn into chronic stress, which is harmful to one’s health and well-being.
Let’s take a look at the impact of stress in Nigeria. Nigerians are under a lot of stress these days, with concerns ranging from dismay at the nation’s current economic status to worries about either purchasing food or standing in line for a very long period of time at the gas station to pay for fuel at exorbitant prices under the hot sun.
Stress Management Consultant Dr. Emmanuel on X said the significant impact that stress is having on us is something he cannot ignore. I am here to offer some advice, as I have been in the stress management industry for more than 10 years.
You can also read more on this, as it helps to reduce the impact of stress: Review of the Best Chiropractic Health Clinic in Nigeria
The majority of the deaths announced in this community so far are stress-related, and I want to share a few thoughts to help us cope. The reason stress affects the body so severely is that it literally drains nutrients and saps energy, leaving nothing for the body to work with.
Here are a few things you can do to reduce the impact of stress:
1. Take time to rest and sleep if you are feeling tired. Call in sick if possible. Drink chamomile tea if you can’t sleep.
2. Get supplements from health stores. I recommend probiotics with 1 billion bacteria for a healthy gut, cod liver oil, multivitamins, glucosamine for your joints and bones, and herbal teas like passionflower tea and ashwagandha.
3. Instead of frying stew every time, try vegetable stir-fry and drink plenty of natural juices, such as red cabbage juice. A few months ago, I noticed that my hair was turning gray. As a stress manager, I was also experiencing stress.
Dr. Emmanuel, a stress management consultant and a doctor of holistic medicine, said, “I did all the things I mentioned above, and my hair is now completely black. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can supply your body with the nutrients it needs to fight stress and help you cope better.”
What is stress?
Stress is characterized as a condition of anxiety or tension in the mind brought on by a challenging circumstance. Everyone goes through periods of stress. But how we handle stress has a significant impact on our general wellbeing.
How does stress affect us?
Both the body and the mind are impacted by stress. Stress in moderation can be beneficial and aid in day-to-day functioning. Physical and mental health issues can result from excessive stress. Developing coping mechanisms for stress can make us feel less stressed and improve both our physical and emotional health.
What are the signs of stress?
Anxiety and irritability are just two of the many feelings that can accompany stress, which also makes it difficult for us to unwind. It can be challenging for us to focus when we’re stressed. We might have stomachaches, headaches, or other physical aches and pains. It’s possible that we become less hungry or overeat. Persistent stress can make pre-existing medical conditions worse and may lead to a rise in alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
Access to healthcare is necessary for the treatment of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, which are frequently brought on by or made worse by stressful circumstances. When we experience symptoms of stress that are severe enough to interfere with our everyday functioning—including at work or school—we may be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
How can I manage stress?
Learn stress management and keep a daily routine: A daily schedule can make us feel more in control of our time and help us use it more effectively. Schedule regular times for exercise, family time, meals, chores, and other leisure activities.
Make sure you get enough rest: Sleep is essential for the health of the body and mind. Our bodies heal, unwind, and regenerate while we sleep, which can counteract the negative effects of stress.
Make connections with other people: Share your worries and emotions with people you can trust, and stay in touch with loved ones. We can feel happier and less stressed when we connect with others.
Eat healthy: Nutrition and hydration have an impact on our well-being. Eat frequently and make an effort to have a balanced diet. Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Consume a large amount of fresh produce whenever possible.
Engage in regular exercise: Exercise on a daily basis can help lower stress. This can involve both walking and more intensive exercise.
Limit time following news: Stress can rise when one spends excessive amounts of time watching news on social media and television. If watching the news gives you more stress, cut down on how much time you spend doing so.
A psychologist or other qualified mental health professional can assist you in learning effective stress management techniques if you are still feeling overwhelmed. With their assistance, you can pinpoint the circumstances or actions that fuel your ongoing stress and create a plan of action to modify them.
According to the APA’s 2023 Stress in America report. Adults in the US rate their average stress level at 5 out of 10, and 43% say their stress keeps getting worse, which is similar to the 2022 report. It is very important that we manage stress to live a healthy life.
