Stress is mostly unavoidable, from getting stuck in traffic on the way to work to facing another deadline, but we can all learn to cope with it better.
“Stress is a completely natural response to many circumstances that your body and mind treat as threatening. When left unchecked, stress can snowball," says Dr Sivuyile Madikana, a member of Herbalife's nutrition advisory board.
"Some consequences of ongoing stress are debilitating headaches, poor work performance, insomnia and illness. Key to counteracting daily stresses is to take a little time each day to focus on calm.”
He advises:
- Pay attention to your breathing. We often hold our breath when we are stressed and panic is likely to set in when your body is not getting enough oxygen. Breathing exercises can help with this;
- Try to include at least five minutes of meditation every day. You can find guided meditation exercises online or spend time being still and focusing on your breathing;
- Find ways to treat yourself. It need not be expensive: anything that makes you feel taken care of, from a visit to a bookstore to a manicure or an unhurried meal at your favourite restaurant;
- You need to get enough sleep. No one can function on too little sleep; and
- Make stress management a daily process rather than something you turn to when you are already feeling overwhelmed. Try to eat nutritious food, exercise and have a regular bedtime every day.
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