How to overcome stress

There are certain periods when people are more susceptible to stress such as during an exam, when someone falls ill, during crisis or emergencies.

According to the Institute of Mental Health, it can also be caused by personal issues such as strained relationships, work problems, health issues, financial challenges and unexpected news.

Symptoms or stress may include:

• Aches and pains,
• unexplained headaches,
• constant fatigue,
• stomach upsets,
• dizziness,
• sexual dysfunction,
• poor appetite,
• sleeplessness,
• uncontrollable crying,
• tension,
• depression
• withdrawal

The Mental Health institute however notes that stress is part of life and unavoidable.

It serves as motivation to scale new challenges or overcome difficulties.

It only becomes harmful when it is not proportionate to the severity of the situation and when it interferes with physical, mental and social aspects of our daily lives.

To overcome stress it is important to know oneself and how you normally function so that you can identify when something is wrong with your body or mental state.

1. The first step is to recognise the signs of a stressed person
2. If you are not sure, seek professional help
3. Try to find balance and make your daily routine flexible
4. Have a support system that you can lean on when the going gets tough; people who can help you at home or at work
5. Get enough rest
6. Maintain a good diet
7. Exercise whenever you can with simple activities such as taking a walk around the estate