International Stress Awareness Week: Why Stress Shouldn’t be Ignored

Posted On: 2023-11-03 11:48:09

Stress is a harmful yet unavoidable part of our lives. No matter how hard we try, we are going to face stress at some point in our lives. The World Health Organization defines stress as ‘a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.’  As the definition suggests, stress can be harmful.

 

To educate people about the negative consequences of stress, the 1st week of November is observed as ‘International Stress Awareness Week’. Its goal is to create a supportive base for discussions around stress-related challenges and mental well-being.

 

So in this blog, we are going to be looking at some harmful side effects of stress and what can you do to reduce stress in your life.

 

Stress can have both physical and mental side effects.

 

 

Physical side effects can include:

 

• Headache
• Muscle Tension or Pain
• Chest Pain
• Fatigue
• Change in Sex Drive
• Stomach Upset
• Sleep Deprivation
• Weak Immune System

 

Mental Side Effects can include:

 

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Lack of Motivation or Focus
• Memory Problems
• Overwhelmed
• Grumpiness or Anger
• Sadness or Depression

 

Behavioural Changes can include:

• Overeating or Undereating
• Angry Outbursts
• Drug or Alcohol Misuse
• Tobacco Indulgence
• Cutting off Contacts and Staying at Home
• Exercising Less Often

 

There are a lot of ways to reduce stress which differs from person to person. However, these are some of the most common ways to reduce stress in your life:

 

• Regular Physical Exercise
• Practice Relaxing Exercises like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage.
• Keep a Sense of Humour to Lighten Your Brain
• Spend Time with Family and Friends
• Take Some Time Out for Your Personal Hobbies
• Write a Journal
• Get Enough Sleep
• Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
• Stay Away from Alcohol and Tobacco Use

 

If you tried all the techniques and are still facing stress-related symptoms, then contact a healthcare provider. Remember to not ignore stress, as it can cause harm in the long run.

 

To observe International Stress Awareness Week, you can educate others and yourself, promote self-care, share information, organize events and support mental health initiatives.

 

These are some hashtags you can use to join the conversation

 

#StressAwarenessWeek

#MentalWellBeing

#StressReduction

#MentalHealthMatters

#StressManagement

#HealthyMind

#MentalWellness

 

Filaantro understands the consequences of the growing stress epidemic. In collaboration with its crowdfunding partner, Child Help Foundation, Filaantro has organized numerous mental health and suicide prevention sessions in schools, which has been met with a hugely positive response.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read the article. Make sure to share this with all your friends and family members to make them aware of the stress epidemic. Please keep checking this space for more such blogs in the future. 

 

AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad