We live in an increasingly fast and anxious society. But there are a few ways that allow you to combat everyday stress. Let's find out together.
Last update: January 28, 2021
Even if fighting daily stress seems a prerogative of our time, in reality it is a very ancient defensive instinct.. The famous historian Curzio Rufo, referring to this problem of the human condition, wrote: "The deepest rivers are those that flow silently".
However, this over-activation (stress) that served our ancestors to defend themselves from the dangers of their time, today is a resource that weakens us and creates serious health problems. This is why the American Academy of Family Physicians (United States) has developed a series of methods that are used to combat everyday stress.
We tell you about them in this article, suggesting how to put them into practice when you have the feeling of being overwhelmed by events.
The stress of the current world
The environment in which we live today changes very quickly and itself causes continuous upheavals. It is not uncommon, therefore, to blame others for the increased pressure, when on many occasions and in reality we ourselves want to do billions of things. Going beyond the resistance of the body and mind can be a real risk for the psycho-physical well-being of the organism.
Pushing yourself to the maximum to obtain maximum performance generates great daily and, in many cases, chronic stress. In these cases you are not aware of the situation and you lose control over this excessive acceleration.
Knowing how to fight daily stress must become a weapon to counterbalance choices made only on the basis of an alleged lack of time.
work faster or carry out more activities at a time, with the false idea of ​​being able, in this way, to "free" ourselves of stress.
Day after day, rest becomes less and less sufficient to restore the balance compromised by the enormous amount of energy lost. Gradually, we come to think that we cannot make it, no longer being able to handle situations of worry, anxiety, fear and excessive tension. Failing to control and combat daily stress results in serious problems. Both physical and psychological.
"It's a good idea to always do something relaxing before making an important life decision."
Paulo Coelho
Keys to combat everyday stress
When it seems that there is nothing more to be done, it is good to resort to some tools developed by professionals just to combat everyday stress. Below we will show you 7 methods formulated by the American Academy of Family Physicians that will work in most cases:
- Physical exercise: the first method to combat everyday stress is to play sports. It is about increasing your heart rate and you have to do it in a way that is proportionate to your level of training. Thanks to the work on the muscles, we will release the stress accumulated in excess, improving the general functioning of the organism.
- Eat healthily: Junk foods (industrial, processed, full of saturated fats and sugars or even fried) only serve to increase daily stress. If we are hungry, we eat fruit and vegetables. A natural and balanced diet, with five well-distributed daily meals, will open the doors of well-being to us.
- Sleep well: remember that a good rest takes time. If you sleep well, your mind will work better: you will be more alert and ready to face daily challenges.
- Meditation: this relaxation technique, as well as others, is very useful for combating daily stress. It is based on deep breathing and is ideal for releasing tension.
- Self control: it serves to be aware that it is impossible for us to control everything. If we are able to understand that there are many elements that are beyond our capabilities, we will regain control over ourselves.
- Division of problems: "Divide et impera" said the Latins. We will have to learn to solve problems one at a time, without haste and starting with the little ones. Let's look for the solution and, once the first problem is solved, let's move on to the next one.
- Realism: Planning your days realistically will help avoid stress. The more we try to know our abilities and recognize our limitations, the better we can deal with the unforeseen events of everyday life.
"Much of the tension people feel doesn't come from having too many things to do but from not finishing what they started."
David Allen
Learn how to fight everyday stress
There are many extraordinary situations that, added to daily stress, can exacerbate what was already a problem in itself. The loss of work, a divorce, a move ... The techniques mentioned here will also be valid in these cases, but be careful.
If these strategies to combat everyday stress don't work or fail to significantly reduce your anxiety situation, it's best to consult a psychologist. Your health is at stake, and few investments are more profitable in the long run than looking after them.
