Stress, which negatively affects daily life, is the situation in which a person cannot physically and emotionally cope with any perceived threat. In case of stress, which can also be defined as a person's defense mechanism, the nervous system secretes stress hormone. Due to this hormone, blood pressure rises, the senses become sharper and the muscles tighten. This increases physical strength and endurance. The power to focus on the problem increases, the reactions accelerate. This situation, which allows the person to protect himself from dangers, is positive. However, if the person overreacts to the insignificant situations of daily life such as traffic jams and bills, this is a serious problem and causes negative emotions such as depression, anger and insecurity.
Meditate to deal with stress
The body under stress goes on the defensive to protect itself and its normal functioning is disrupted. During periods of intense stress, the nervous system causes the muscles to contract. With a meditation program that includes rest and relaxation movements, both physical and mental relaxation can be achieved. You can meditate by setting aside 5-10 minutes for yourself during the day. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes and just try to breathe. Breathe in and out for a while, then count to 20 and exhale for every odd number of breaths. You can also listen to soothing music that will relax you during meditation. Relaxing and letting go of any negative thoughts, even for a short time, can help you feel more energetic and happy for the rest of the day.
Benefits of meditation
Meditation, which is a mind exercise originating from the Far East, is quite simple, but has the power to make significant physical and spiritual changes. Regular meditation;
- By providing the regulation of brain functions, it reduces the anxiety and stress level of the person. A decrease is observed in the effects of aging, which develops due to stress.
- It helps to increase the level of happiness. It enables the left lobe, which is defined as the energetic, enthusiastic and positive side of the brain, to work more actively.
- It increases one's learning ability and strengthens memory.
- It allows the whole body to relax, and when the muscles relax, a substance called nitric oxide is secreted from the cells, making the blood vessels more open. This reduces the risk of heart attack and lowers blood pressure.
- It helps to increase self-awareness and reduces the feeling of loneliness. It supports the development of creativity and problem solving ability and increases the power of positive thinking.
Other ways to deal with stress
Stress is one of the biggest problems of modern life. Sometimes it can be impossible to cope with stress. It is important for a person to learn to cope with stress in order not to face the discomforts caused by stress.
- A stress diary can be kept to identify situations that cause stress. With this diary, it is possible to define the stresses experienced regularly and the way of coping with them. The causes of stress can be revealed by recording the situations that cause stress, the physical and emotional changes experienced under stress and how the person behaves in response to these changes, what he does to feel good.
- Knowing personal limits and not being able to handle more situations in life should not be burdened. In addition, people who cause stress should be avoided and situations that cause anxiety should be eliminated.
- Changing the way one communicates and works in daily life can help prevent stress. The person should express his feelings about the person or situation that is bothering him clearly and precisely and be willing to compromise. A balanced life program that spares time for social activities and entertainment is also important.
- If the factors that cause stress cannot be prevented or changed, the person needs to change himself. The person should learn to adapt to stressful situations and know how to change their expectations and attitudes. That way, he can regain control of his life.
- Some stress situations are unavoidable. The loss of a loved one, serious illness or national trauma are sources of stress that cannot be avoided. The best way to deal with stress in such situations is to accept the situation. Forgiveness, letting go of anger and resentment, and sharing problems with a trusted friend or expert therapist can help manage stress.