Stress Management Technique
Definition of Stress
Before choosing a particular stress management technique, we first need to define what stress is. A common definition of stress is that it is an emotionally or mentally upsetting condition which arises as a response to unpleasant external influences.
Stress can impact physical wellbeing in such ways as increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure and muscular tension. It can also affect people emotionally resulting in depression, irritability and anxiety. This is why choosing a stress management technique can help to reduce stress related physical and mental health problems in the long term.
Coping With Stress
There are many skills we can learn for coping with stress in our world today. These skills can help us to feel in control and remain effective in pressure situations, which can help us to avoid problems arising from the effects of stress.
We can categorise these skills into three main groups:
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Action Orientation - the active confrontation of the cause of stress and efforts to change the problem environment or situation.
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Emotional Orientation - recognising when we do not have the ability to change a particular situation, but instead manage stress by altering our understanding of the situation and how we feel about it.
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Acceptance Orientation - concentrating on coping with the stress “fallout” that has resulted from an event or events over which we have no power or control as individuals.
Outside of these areas a general stress management technique
would be to take up some form of regular activity like walking,
jogging or yoga
exercise. Please note though, stress can seriously damage
physical and mental health, and although any stress management
technique can have a positive effect on stress reduction, our
discussion in this article is only to be used as guidance. If
stress is a serious problem for you, you should speak with a qualified
medical professional.
Stress Management Technique | Coping with Stress | Definition of Stress ©2005 Muscle and Fitness
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