The Oxford Dictionary defines stress as ‘a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy’. It is a condition or circumstance, not always adverse, which can disturb the normal physical and mental health of an individual.

In medical parlance stress is defined as a perturbation of the body’s homeostasis. This demand on mind-body occurs when it tries to cope with incessant changes in life. A stress condition seems relative in nature. Extreme stress conditions, psychologists say, is detrimental to human health but in moderation stress is normal and, in many cases, has proved to be useful. Stress, nonetheless, is synonymous with negative conditions.

Today, with the rapid diversification of human activity, we come face to face with numerous causes of stress and the symptoms of stress and depression.

At some point or the other, we all suffer from stress. Demands of relationships, physical as well as mental health problems, pressure at workplaces, traffic snarls, meeting deadlines, growingup tensions—all of these conditions and situations can lead to stress. People have their own methods of stress management. In some people, stress-induced adverse feelings and anxieties tend to persist and intensify. Learning to understand and master stress management techniques can help prevent the counter effects of this urban malaise. But how does one handle stress?

As a counsellor and lifestyle psychologist, I have compiled eleven simple techniques that will go a long way and help reduce stress. Caution: You may not be able to banish stress but can manage it and emerge successful.

Don’t hold your feelings within. Discuss stressful feelings with someone you trust will listen to you without
being judgmental or putting pressure on your viewpoint. Even if you can’t change the immediate situation, talking about stress helps alleviate the tension you may be experiencing. Supplement the verbal talks by doing something physically demanding. Write it out, exercise or hit a pillow, just about any activity.