Avoiding/Mastering stress

Avoiding/ Mastering stress
Name:
Institution:
Avoiding/ Mastering stress
Stress can be defined as anything that stimulates a person and increases the level of alertness. Stimulus is an important element of the body because it makes us active and enjoy life. However, when this stimulus becomes too much, it becomes a problem leading to stress. Too much stress, in turn, leads to unstable life and feeling low and moody. Stress is, therefore, part of human life that cannot be avoided, but can be detected and managed.
One scholar argues that to manage effectively and reduce stress, one must first recognise when he/she is under stress. According to him, the early symptoms of stress include faster heartbeat, cold hands and feet, increased sweating, feelings of nausea, rapid breathing, tense muscles, dry mouth, desire to urinate and diarrhea. After acknowledging the existence of these symptoms and the cause of the stress then it becomes easy to manage and avoid stress. (Caplan, 1981)
Other researchers go on to say that to avoid stress, first one should manage his/her time properly. One must ensure that he/she maintains a good work-life balance. Have a clear goal to pursue in life to avoid jumping into many projects, which often lead to stress. Enough sleep is also paramount for any peaceful state of mind. The researchers also advise regular exercise and avoiding unhealthy ways of managing stress such as smoking and abuse of other drugs as they are counter-productive. (Rose et al, 2013)
Mastering stress, therefore, isn’t a challenging task.

Most cases of stress are in fact are under one’s control. By closely monitoring yourself and recording progress, a person can easily avoid stress from advancing to uncontrollable levels. Those suffering from severe stress can always seek medical help.
References
CAPLAN, M. (1981). Mastery of stress: psychosocial aspects. Am J Psychiatry, 138, 413.
Rose, R. D., Buckey, J. C., Zbozinek, T. D., Motivala, S. J., Glenn, D. E., Cartreine, J. A., & Craske, M. G. (2013). A randomized controlled trial of a self-guided, multimedia, stress management and resilience training program. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 51(2), 106-112.