PaxherbalMagazinestressful-conditions

Coping with Stressful Conditions

Written by Nat Omame Jr. Monday, 15 August 2011 10:37

Stressfull conditions could easily become a part of our daily lives if not checked Can we ever go through our increasingly complex world without encountering a stressful condition? Pressure at work or meeting a deadline? Situations that provoke tension? Anxiety or Anger? And how do we respond to these conditions?

Dr. JIDEOFO DANMBAEZUE, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Existential Family Therapist who wrote the PROLOGUE posit that “Stress is a common experience and can have both positive and negative effects.” “Stress,” he emphasised, “is a normal, adaptive reaction to threat. It signals danger and prepares us to take defensive action. Fear of things that pose realistic threats motivates us to deal with them or avoid them”. He reassured that while stress can also motive us to achieve because it fuels creativity, it can also lead to serious problems if it is not managed appropriately.”

The COVER STORY: “HOW TO PREVENT AND MANAGE STRESS” was written by MELINDA SMITH, ELLEN JAFFE-GILL and ROBERT SEGAL of Helpguide Organisation. “Managing Stress,” they counseled, “is all about taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problem. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.”

“Since everyone has a unique response to stress, there is no 'one size fits all' solution to managing it. No single method works for everyone or in every situation, so experiment with different techniques and strategies. Focus on what makes you calm and in control.

For those who brood and remain bottled-up when upset. Here is a reminder: Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. “If something or someone is bothering you, communicate your concerns in an open and respectful way. If you don't voice your feelings, resentment will build and the situation will likely remain the same.”

We concede, however, that many things in life are beyond our control, particularly the behaviour of other people. But rather than allow ourselves to be stressed out over them, we encourage our readers to focus on things they can control. Our cover story features priceless tips on stress management: Don't try to control the uncontrollable!

Nat Omame Jr. -
	Nath Oname, Jr. is currently the Editor of The Herbal Doctor magazine. He has worked and written for various Newspapers and magazines in Nigeria including The Punch newspaper, Thisweek magazine, PROBE magazine and The Diet newspaper.