Stressed? Don’t Be! Unique Ways To Measure And Control It

Being under chronic stress shouldn’t be normal. It can increase the risk of death by cancer. Wanna reconsider your lifestyle choices?

Avoiding death due to cancer isn’t the only reason why you must keep your stress in check. Did you know that workplace stress can lead to depression, which can also lead to death? Not just workplace stress, any chronic stress can lead to depression, which is a major reason for suicides.

Let us tell you that you’re not the only one going through stress: 74% Indians suffer from stress. However, each suffers from varying levels of stress. Among them, 57% suffered from mild stress, 11% were feeling moderately stressed, 4% were feeling moderately severe stress, and 2% reported severe stress.

Looking at these varying levels of stress, one may easily wonder if there is a unit to measure stress. Yes! There is a unit: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). You can answer 10 questions, and their answers can help you determine your PSS.

But you don’t have to take the questionnaire to determine if you’re stressed. You can also measure your stress levels by monitoring other parameters of your body as well.

How to measure stress using body parameters?

Occasionally, you may be stressed without even realizing it. However, your body could physically be showing signs of stress. You could have constant pain in your head, chest, stomach, or muscles. Stress can also result in digestive problems.

You could notice subtle changes in your heart rate and blood pressure if you’re addicted to monitoring them using wearables. Your wearable may already have the feature of stress analysis.

Wondering why you have not been able to perform in the bedroom off-late? Well, it could be because of stress, as it can lead to reproductive problems.

There are more medical methods to help determine if you suffer from chronic stress, like measuring heart rate variance (HRV), getting an Electroencephalography (EEG) to measure your brainwaves, and getting your hormonal levels checked.

Common symptoms of stress

The symptoms of stress vary with each person. However, the following are the common ones:

• Acne

• Anxiety

• Chronic pain

• Depression

• Difficulty Sleeping

• Fatigue

• Frequent illness

• Headaches

• Irritability

• Abdominal pain

• Sudden weight gain/loss

Stress management tips

We are not saying that there is someone who leads a completely stress-free life. But life is all about managing the stress you get. Here are some of our tips do that:

• Workout/play sports: It is said that working out in a gym is a big stress reliever. You, too, can try it. Think that gym bros will be detrimental to you? Maybe try your hand at your favourite sport. Yoga is usually more calming and is associated with stress reduction.

• Spend time with people you like: Merely spending time with others can give you the sense that you’re not alone in the world. Spending it with the people you like could work wonders for you. Don’t worry! we will not tell you where to meet new people. You can choose to meet them at places you frequent.

• Spend time in nature: Looking at how beautiful the world is, you may forget your stress for some time and calm down. You could walk around your local park or the natural space surrounding your building.

Looking at nature can reduce stress and improve your mental state.

• Limit screen time: Viewing your screens for longer time periods can lead to anxiety and depression. It can harm your mental health. It would be helpful to catch a break and walk away from your screens every now and then.

• Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, putting you in a relaxed state. Practice makes you perfect, and it is no different when it comes to deep breathing. Deep breathing also has numerous other benefits.

• Try meditating regularly: Meditation is known to lower stress. If you don’t know how to meditate, you can use professional help. Guided meditation can help you kickstart your nirvana journey.

• Get professional help: There must be no shame in asking for help. And better yet, you can ask for help from a professional. They have encountered many such patients facing similar scenarios, and they know their job.

Here is a list of some helpline number that you can use:

1. Peak Mind : 080-47092334

2. Sneha : 044-24640050

3. Mpower 1 on 1 : 1800-1208-20050

4. Fortis Stress Helpline : 08376804102

5. Lifeline Foundation : 09088030303

Wondering if all the money you spend to reduce your stress can lead to more stress? Let Kenko help you. Subscribe to their Individual Plan and get discounts and benefits on mental care. Not just that, you also get discounts on lab tests, doctor consults, medicines, and much more!