Taming of the Stress

Stress doesn’t have to be daunting. Learn to manage your stress level and make it work for you.

According to medical experts, stress itself is a neutral term. There are good stress and bad stress. Without stressors, life might actually be boring

and lacking in motivation! The key to managing stress is by learning to recognise whether it is good or bad, and resisting its negative effects.

Negative thoughts 

Negative thoughts and emotions like anxiety, hostility and depression can be stressful and set off a pattern of unhealthy effects on our bodies that eventually inflict serious damage. A study by
Dr Nancy Frasure-Smith at the Montreal Heart Institute in Canada show that cardiac patients with high depression scores had an increased risk of dying within 18 months of a heart attack. Singapore’s Health Promotion Board also cautions that prolonged stress can lead to diseases like nervous breakdowns, mental illnesses and high blood pressure. 

 Assert yourself

The way we communicate with others goes a long way towards determining the stress we experience. As the saying goes, “ get it off your chest”. Assertive communication is a pattern of communication that is honest, direct and respectful of everyone’s rights. This is in contrast to aggressive communication, which is controlling, dominating and disrespectful. Non-assertive communication is self-degrading, dishonest and violates one’s own desires just to please people and avoid conflict and confrontation.

 Develop a support network

Many studies have shown that isolation is hazardous to one’s health. Some have even shown that mortality rates of elderly living alone are consistently higher than those living with a spouse or other family members. Even having just a pet for companionship has demonstrated substantial benefits in reducing stress from isolation. Having people who believe in and listen to you can go a long way towards helping you feel better. This is because being part of a mutually supportive relationship promotes a sense of belonging, of being needed and loved.

 Love thyself

It is common for people to overwork, not eat properly and not get enough sleep. But the fact is, our bodies’ fitness levels also determine how well we cope with stress. For example, over- or under-eating can cause negative stress, guilt and other destructive emotions that can tax our physical limits. Insufficient sleep can alter one’s ideal sleep schedule and cause further sleeplessness and moodiness. Therefore, we must practice good self-care habits like good nutrition, regular exercise and proper sleeping hours. These will help bring the body to an optimal balance that will serve us well in combating stress •

 Call the following number if you need help in managing stress

(Source: Singapore Health Promotion Board)

• Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 1800-221 4444­­

• Student Line­ 1800-281 2522­­

• Tinkle Friend­ 1800-274 4788­­

• Parent Line 6289 8811­­

• Counselling and Care Centre­ 6536 6366­

• Care Corner Mandarin Counselling Centre­ (Mandarin) 1800-353 5800 ­­

• Elliot Road Care Centre 6241 0936­­

• SAMH Counselling Service­ 1800-283 7019­­

• SAGE Helpline (for older adults)­ 6353 8633­­

• AwARE Helpline (for women) ­1800-774 5935­