Building skills to manage stress

Strategies to Reduce Stress

Of course, it’s impossible to eliminate stress entirely. With the start of each day, one renews their desire for life and readiness to face burdens and pressures—no matter their nature. However, there are strategies that can help reduce stress, including:

1. Meditation: By choosing a quiet, noise-free environment, sitting in a comfortable position, closing the eyes, and training the mind to think and focus on positive thoughts and good experiences. This can help relieve psychological stress, lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and reduce the body’s chemical activity levels.
2. Relaxation: By tensing and relaxing the body’s muscles, starting with one muscle—preferably the foot—and moving to all parts of the body. Relaxation exercises offer many benefits, including suppressing anxiety and tension and relieving various forms of stress.
3. Exercise: Engaging in various physical activities such as running, walking, or playing tennis, among others. Exercise plays a significant role in reducing stress, promoting positive energy, and eliminating anxiety related to daily activities.

Main Types of Stress

There are two main types of stress:

• Acute Psychological Stress (“Tension”)

This is defined as an immediate, intense, and rapid reaction to fear, challenge, or panic. Examples include stress from a job interview, receiving a traffic ticket, or facing a salary deduction. When related to minor issues, acute stress can sometimes act as a motivator or mental refresher. However, it may also cause complications such as tension headaches or digestive issues, and in severe cases, could lead to heart attacks.

• Chronic Psychological Stress

This occurs due to accumulated stress over time, turning into ongoing pressure tied closely to one’s environment. It becomes a persistent burden, causing frequent health issues such as headaches or insomnia. While the symptoms of chronic stress are less intense than those of acute stress, they can last for longer periods and may also lead to other health complications.