“Stress” - everyone says that they are stressed these days. It is so common a complaint. What is stress after all. It is when you think that you cant do what you think that you are expected to do. The key word is “think”. It is what you “think”. Yes it ultimately boils down to your mental arithmetic. So it is up to you to sort it out too. Isn't it?

Stress creates uneasiness, faster heart beats (palpitaions – undue awareness of your own heart beats), sweating, disturbed thinking, stomach upsets etc, you know the lot! This is mainly due to activation of our sympathetic nervous system and “fight or flight” hormones. It is not a pleasant feeling at all.

So what can be done about it? Good question.

Change the Mind-Set
First, remember that the key word in stress is what you “ think” about the situation. So it is sensible to contemplate about the situation being detached from it. Put it aside. Look at it from distance. Don't cling on to it. Then you will stand in reality. The options will become evident. Stress will get relived.

Social Network
Have a chat with a friend. The social network you have is very important. Human beings are social creatures. Do get help from others. I remember in one of the Spiderman movies, it is quipped “even the spiderman needs help sometime”. Don't feel shy to ask for help.

Delegate
Some times you may be able to delegate some of the work. It will certainly help.

Be Religious
Religion has a pivotal role. Studies have shown that religious people fall sick less often. The faith, understanding and spirituality help. Buddhist meditation helps to concentrate and keep the mind focussed. It will you to tackle the problem better.

Plan ahead

Lot of stress can be avoided if you plan well ahead. Exams are a good example. If you are a student plan well ahead. Have a good “Game Plan”. Then you will find that you need not be stressed up at the last moment.

Role of Doctors

Yes, sometimes the stress to much you may get “Panic Attacks”. Stress can become so disabling. Typically any qualified doctor should be able to help you. Initially he/she will ask some questions and do some examinations. The purpose is to assess the situation. The further course of action depends on the severity. There are psychological treatment modalities and tablets (anxiolytics). Generally drug treatment is reserved for severely affected.

Stress can be helpful too, at least initially. Actual performance increases to a certain extent with increasing stress. After a certain point then the performance drops.

Remember stress is made by you, yourself. So you are the best person to sort it out utilizing techniques outlined above. This reminds me of famous Buddhist saying “you are your Saviour, no one else can deliver you from suffering”

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The opinions herein are of author's. It is not meant to be a comprehensive account of the subject nor substitute of medical consultation. You are required to exercise your judgement on adherence to any of the suggestions above. If in doubt seek expert opinion on individual basis.