Resistance to stress!

07 SEP, 2014
by Bikash Mohanty

The average person may experience 30-50 stress events a day, some small and some big, which then activates the body’s fight and flight response. This prepares the body to either fight or run away from the stressor. On occasion, we may experience a very big stressor that causes us to highly activate the stress response of the hypothalamus – pituitary – adrenal axis (HPA) so that we cannot fall asleep at night. Stress resistance is the body’s ability to handle everyday stresses, preferably through a healthy lifestyle. One can increase the resistance to stress by strengthening own physical health.

  • Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.
  • Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary "highs" caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.
  • Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.
  • Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.

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