Top 5 Effective and Proven Strategies for Coping with Stress

The India Fit Report 2022-2023 found 24% of Indians battling stress post-Covid. Work-related stress hits 26%, financial instability affects 17%, and relationship issues stress 14%, reflecting the post-pandemic well-being landscape. 

Nowadays, stress is inevitable. In a world that seems to have gotten rid of the pause button, stress has become our unwelcome companion. With constant demands from the workplace and personal life, many people experience burnout. But the good news is that stress is not all bad for us. With good coping strategies, we can not only manage stress but also turn it into a driving force that pushes us to thrive amid life's chaos.  

Let's dive into the proven and effective strategies for handling stress like a pro.

5 Proven Effective Strategies for Stress Mastery

1) Practice relaxation techniques 

Your body reacts to every emotion that you feel. Addressing this physical reaction can actually help you manage your feelings better. Stress makes us feel tightly wound and tense. So, practicing relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or deep breathing calms you down by addressing your physical symptoms. Taking a few minutes each day to practice these techniques, or even doing them when you are experiencing stress, can help you calm down.  

2) Sweat out the stress 

The link between working out and wellness is like addressing stress through relaxation techniques. When you are stressed, the brain produces cortisol that can put you in tense fight-or-flight mode, along with a dash of irritability, headache, or even constipation. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins - the magical mood-improving chemicals in our brains - that work amazingly well to lower cortisol levels. It's our body's natural painkiller and mood elevator that gives you a sense of well-being. So, whether it's a brisk walk, a heart-pumping run, or even a dance session in your living room, finding a form of exercise that you enjoy is key to keeping stress in check. 

3) Talk to others 

Everyone around you is also going through stress. So, reach out and have a heart-to-heart talk with your loved ones. A good chat or a hearty laugh with them can go a long way towards making you feel better and more supported. In general, people in a close-knit community or with strong social relationships have better resilience to stress and even live longer. Sharing your feelings, gaining perspective, and knowing that you're not alone in facing challenges can significantly reduce stress levels. It's a pleasant reminder that you have people who have your back and are cheering you on. 

In the pursuit of managing stress, while talking to loved ones is essential, sometimes you may need professional support. ekincare offers a platform where you can connect with healthcare professionals and counsellors, providing a confidential space to discuss your stressors. It ensures privacy and offers a range of mental health resources, allowing you to seek help when you feel the need. 

4) Get Outside 

Your body and mind are not made to be put in a box, be it an office cubicle or a comfortable home. We do not thrive when locked up in closed spaces. Spending time in the green of nature improves your mood and makes you feel more grounded. So, try to get outside often, be it by taking a walk in a local park, sitting by a lake, or just observing the trees on your street.  

5) Remove the stressors 

Sometimes the best way to handle some stressors is to eliminate them from your life. While there are aspects of family, work, and society-related stressors that are unavoidable, healthy boundaries and a change in environment can take a great deal of unwanted stress out of your life. Work performance is crucial, but do you really have to go to that party or engage with that toxic colleague? Family time is important, but is there something you can change in the surroundings to make the time more enjoyable for everyone? Do you have to do the things that are causing you stress?  

Take control wherever possible and try to get rid of the unnecessary stressors in your life. This will ultimately leave you with fewer battles to fight and more energy and clarity to fight them well.  

Conclusion 

All the above strategies have been proven to be effective in managing stress. Find small pockets of time throughout your day to practice these strategies to manage your stress levels and thrive in this fast-paced world. All these activities will not only keep stress at bay but also improve your overall well-being.  

These days, managing stress requires a holistic approach. ekincare goes beyond traditional stress management techniques by addressing both physical and mental well-being. By utilising it, you not only have access to tools for stress management but also gain insights into your overall health. It becomes a valuable companion, especially when you may not have someone to talk to. It also ensures that professional support and health resources are at your fingertips, promoting a balanced and thriving life. 

Remember, incorporating a diverse set of strategies and tools can create a robust framework for managing stress and fostering overall well-being in today's challenging environment.