Stress is an inevitable part of human life. We all face several difficult situations where we don’t know what to do next. It can get overwhelming if we are unable to identify resources to deal with it effectively. If persistent, stress can lead to a physical, psychological, and emotional disequilibrium. And, a bad state of mind that you just can’t get out of.

That’s what makes it necessary to know whether we’re stressed, and if yes what can we do for it to not become a problem for us in the long run.

Take a quick quiz to know if you’re stressed.

As time goes by,every situation or event, be it internal or external, is perceived differently by the same person. What may be a cause of stress for some, may not trigger anything for others.

Here are some common stressors you should be cognizant about.

External Sressors
• Change in the work environment
• Loss of a loved one
• Interpersonal/Relationship issues
• Disturbed Work-life balance

Internal Stressors
• Negative view about self
• Viewing oneself through other person's eyes
• Giving oneself unrealistic deadlines
• Being the one pacifying others almost regularly

Good news is that you can put a stop to the feeling of acute stress by practicing the 4A’s of mindfulness in your daily life.

AVOID

Although avoiding could seem as a negative coping mechanism, it is one of the most effective ways to deal with stress that we are not mentally prepared to handle. Sometimes, avoiding to eliminate some stressors buys us the time we need to cool- off and process a piece of information that’s causing us distress.

ALTER

Alter refers to altering our perception towards the situation. By looking at the situation with a different perspective, we can train our mind to modify its perception of it. When discussing it with others, communicate openly and state your limitations in advance. This will help you in having a clear mindset and managing your time properly.

ADAPT

Adapting to new changes in personal or professional life can be tricky but it’s necessary to maintain inner peace. According to Piaget's theory of development, adaptation is one of the important processes guiding cognitive development and how we learn about our environment. The adaptation process itself can take place in two ways: assimilation and accommodation. When you start feeling stressed, assimilate the information at hand, identify what you can & cannot control, change what you can and modify your response from an objective mindset.

ACCEPT

Accepting the presence of stress and working on it. Feelings are legitimate even if stressful situations can’t be changed. Acknowleding stress and venting it out in front of someone with a sympathetic ear can be truly helpful. You can also try indulging in positive self-talk to keep your reaction objective towards the frustrating situation.

Reflection and mindfulness helps us in getting in touch with our emotional upheavals and obtaining a solution for it. By mindfully practicing this technique, you’ll be better equipped to handle stressful situations and find a sense of calm.

It’s always a good idea to speak to someone who can understand you and guide you well in case you feel burdened. You can reach out to our psychologists, who will listen to you in a safe and confidential space.