How to beat stress and keep the family happy || Health Monday writing expedition.

Introduction (A life Scenario)

Let me start with this scene;

Samuel and Lisa are parents to Andrew and Peace aged 13 and 8 respectively

Samuel is the head of the family and in order to make more money to sustain his family takes extra duties at work. This cuts the time he has with his wife and kids. But despite his hardwork and sacrifices, the bills just keep getting bigger and he's troubled.

In the constant absence of Samuel, Lisa his wife has to make it up to the kids, cook the family meals, clean the house, Help the kids in their school work and take care of her little business as a seamstress, this leaves her with so much work that she has to work deep into the night barley having time for a good night rest.

Andrew and Peace as little as they were felt as if the whole world was against them, Dad's not always around to take them on vacations and mom doesn't have time for such. Their teachers at school demand so much from them. Tons of unending assignment to complete and loads of house hold chores to finish. To make matters worse Mom pressures them to come out top in class so as to make dad proud and for this reason they are not allowed to play outside with their friends or watch TV beyond an hour.

Looking at this scene, you can imagine the tiredness and forlorn look on the faces of each member of the family. A critical look at the situation of the family would tell you that, they are all under STRESS.

So what then is stress?

What STRESS is?

I particularly love the way the Oxford advanced learners dictionary defines stress. It describes it as;

Pressure or worry caused by the problems in someone's life.

Stress is natural and everyone at some point in their life faces it. That then tells us that we have different types of stress.

So how then do we handle stress?

Types Of Stress

Stress can be Acute (short-term), Chronic (long term) or episodic (recurring).

Irrespective of the type it is worthy to note that it is can be deadly if not managed properly. How then do we know someone is stressed.

Symptoms of Stress

Stress like most emotional disorders can be quite tricky to identify. However here's what to look out for.

• Emotional symptoms like - anxiety, Hot temper, constant mood swings.etc

• Physical symptoms like - headaches, inability to get a proper sleep(insomnia) and even digestive issues

• Behavioural symptoms like - social withdrawal, addiction to certain drugs

• Cognitive symptoms like - forgetfulness, inability to focus.

They are many more bodily reactions that might come other than this a result of stress. Those reactions also vary from person to persons.

However if left untreated can lead to bigger problems.

Dangers of too much Stress(Consequences)

Stress can lead to a lot of health, emotional, social and mental issues like;

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Weak immune system
• Fractured relationships
• Change in temperament
• Inability to make a sound decision

And a host of many other problems. So how then do we handle something as tricky as Stress.

Solutions That work?

Most people feel that the answer to stress is found in a pill bottle or a tablet. However here's a simple trick.

• You can beat stress easily by doing things you love most. This helps you forget your worries and reduces anxiety that leads to stress. For example, You're stressed yet you're a big fan of dance or music, then @fortwis09 dance challenge might just be that cheap effective pill.

• Exercise: As absurd as this might sound; experts show that exercise actually helps release hormones that keep the mind and body agile, active and ready to take on challenges. Just the right spirit to defeat stress. So make sure to hop on @ngoenyi fitness group and you'll be glad you did.

• Utilize the counsellor: I did have say therapy, but sometimes that can sound far fetched and scary. Personally I am scared of how the word therapy sounds(😩). So why not unburden your stress on the counsellor, a trusted friend or leader. After all a problem shared with someone wise is one half solved.

• Eat nutritious meals and reward yourself with rest: Lack of food and rest are two biggest causes of stress. A proper nutrition and rest can be as good as any antidepressants.

• Create bonds and socialize more often: Your stress and anxiety vanishes when you're in a group of happy and cheerful people who care about you.
  For the Nigerians, the upcoming steem national meet-up should be a no miss for you then.

Conclusion

Dear readers, Address That Stress. I hope to see us healthier and better. Do have a stress free week ahead.

P/s: I did love to hear your suggestions on how Samuel, Lisa Peace and Andrew can cope with their stressful situation and live happily as a family.

Special invite to

@basil20, @saintkelvin17 and @yhudy

Cc,
@bossj23

Images used are designed by me using pixelab × Snapseed

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Adiós