The current pace of life, together with emotional problems, workload and conditions, financial problems, perfectionism and urban violence are some factors that influence an individual’s stress level.
As you know, stress is a body reaction when a human being is exposed to a given situation. However, do you know the times when it benefits?
The thing, however is that everybody reacts differently to circumstances. Therefore what may work for you positively may not produce a reaction in a similar way in the case of someone else. Stress is either positive or negative and the human body produces both.
It is in the way a person reacts to everyday situations that defines the type of stress generated at each moment. In the article that follows we will explain the concepts of stress and distress. Understand what the difference between them is and how you can face these two types of stress.
Stress and Distress: Know the Difference
Stress, in its initial phase, produces adrenaline, which generates energy and makes the person more productive. This stage is called Stress. In this case, it is something constructive, which stimulates the individual, increases their involvement, maintains focal concentration, provokes a feeling of well-being, generates control of the situation and, consequently, drives action. This is the case with a promotion at work, the birth of a child and meeting new people.
When stress becomes harmful to a person, it is called distress. Negative stress occurs when a person is unable to adapt to a given situation, becoming unable to concentrate, change the situation, and return to their normal state.
As a reaction, the body causes physical and emotional imbalance, anxiety , insomnia, various body pains, eating disorders, a drop in immune defenses, aggressiveness and low efficiency. In addition, it can also cause problems at work and in personal life. Distress intimidates human beings, causing them to run away from the problem and not try to solve it.
How to avoid distress?
You can incorporate certain actions so that stress becomes part of your routine and, consequently, can improve your quality of life. Here are some of them:
1. Get organized
Sort your time to plan out against the deadline and tasks as planned. This is where you have no control over everything that needs to be done-one of the primary reasons causing distress. Ever find yourself stuck in a revolving door, no matter how much you try to come up with a feeling of satisfying obligations?
This feeling is what causes your body to become distressed. You can avoid it by organizing yourself realistically. This means not trying to complete a list that doesn’t fit into the total number of hours available. When you organize yourself, you can be more productive, but you still won’t be able to perform miracles, so be realistic above all.
2. Take time for yourself
Having moments of leisure or simply doing nothing is essential for your mental health. Remember the organization we mentioned above? In it, you should include some moments that will be dedicated only to carrying out personal activities. Have a hobby , such as: reading, watching movies and series, art, volunteer work, etc.
3. Get the necessary hours of sleep
A good sleep routine is essential to being a more productive and focused person. When you are fully focused on your tasks, you will have more positive results and thus be more relaxed and sleep better. Did you notice how we described a virtuous circle? Sleeping well helps you to be more focused and being more focused helps you to sleep better.
4. Separate your personal and professional life
One of the biggest sources of distress is the overlap between personal and professional life. These are two distinct spheres and as such should be experienced separately. Make a deal with yourself: when you go to the office, you will leave your personal problems outside. When you leave the office, you will leave your professional issues there. Be available for your family and friends.
4. Travel
Plan trips so you can get out of your comfort zone . The more different the destination is from your reality, the more enriching the experience will be.
5. Vent
Share your problems in moderation with other people, preferably friends who are not part of your professional life. Sharing how you feel with someone is a way to lighten the burden you carry.
6. Do physical exercise
Letting off steam is achieved through exercising, which releases endorphins – a substance that causes such pleasant feelings. You will notice that, with time, you will feel more motivated to carry out your daily activities. Choose something you enjoy doing; this will be time to let off steam.
7. Have a balanced diet
Eating well is essential to have the energy to carry out all your tasks and to maintain your health. Avoid fast food and very fatty foods.
8. Set priorities
Do you live with tasks that are piling up and overdue? The secret to avoiding distress is to define priorities among all the activities listed.
9. Don’t put off tasks
Make your motto: “what can be done today should be done today so as not to burden me tomorrow.”
10. Understand your limits
You only need to be productive and take care of yourself; you don’t need to save the world.
11. Avoid perfectionism
Remember that no one is perfect, so there is no point in setting that standard for yourself.
12. Don’t anticipate problems
When you anticipate problems you can “paint” situations worse than they really are. Don’t worry about imaginary situations.
Everyday situations, long hours at work and the many problems you face throughout your life are some of the factors that can be obstacles to achieving stress. Therefore, Coaching can, through the right tools, help you set goals, understand more about yourself and, thus, eliminate distress from your routine and achieve extraordinary results.