Here's how to handle stress

Are you the last one to leave office every night? Do you feel that every day is a Sunday? Then it’s time you got a grip on your life and visit a lifestyle expert.

Are you the last one to leave office every night? Are your smoke breaks longer than your ideal working hours? Do you feel that every day is a Sunday, and so looking for some excuse to stay at home so that you can catch up on some sleep? Then it’s time you got a grip on your life and visit a lifestyle expert.

Two latest surveys prove that India’s corporate sector is suffering largely because of work-related stress, resulting in lack of sleep. The study conducted by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations states that economic growth has resulted in financial gain.

But it has created havoc in the life of a working professional with almost 45 per cent of Indians suffering from lifestyle related disorders.

Negative effects

Another survey by Nielsen Company last month discovered that almost 93 per cent of Indians are sleep deprived. Going by this staggering ratio, lifestyle experts warn that every company should introduce stress management classes
for their employees.

Stress leads to a cascade of events, informs Upendra Kaul, executive director of a heart institute and medical research Centre. He explains, “Stress leads to a surge of catecholamine secretion in the blood which increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It transiently raises blood sugar and cholesterol levels and stresses the heart. The surge in adrenaline caused by stress causes blood to clot more readily, increasing the chances of a heart attack.”

It is therefore necessary that we give some space to ourselves and chalk out a plan so that the body gets adequate rest to cope up with the hectic lifestyle.While it’s important to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine, one can’t undermine the plusses of positive thinking and behaviour.

Some tips to deal with stress:

Positive activities

* Do whatever you enjoy. It will give your stress level a reason to disappear.
* It could be dance classes, yoga sessions or being part of chanting groups.

Indulge in a hobby

* Taking 15 minutes out everyday to pursue your hobby is a sureshot stress buster.
* Take time out for your hobbies. Play an instrument, sing or dance.

Pleasurable activities

* Things that give you happiness are stress relievers.
* Take your dog out for a walk, take time out to socialise and for outdoor activities.

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