Managing stress: tips for a stress-free life

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Extract from the article: When faced with the challenges of everyday life, it's natural to feel stressed. Whether it's because of important events, emergency situations or difficult times, stress management becomes essential to avoid being overwhelmed by emotions.

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When faced with the challenges of everyday life, it's natural to feel stressed. Whether it's because of important events, emergency situations or difficult times, stress management becomes essential to avoid being overwhelmed by emotions.

Stress is the body's adaptive response to a feared situation or aggression, whether physical, psychological or emotional. When we are stressed, the body goes into a state of alert, releasing stress hormones and causing various physical and psychological symptoms.

Symptoms of stress

The symptoms of stress are varied and can include an accelerated heart rate, tremors, headaches, sleep problems, reduced libido and many others. Recognising these signs is the first step towards managing stress more effectively on a daily basis.

Consequences of stress

Constant stress can lead to anxiety and depression, accelerate ageing, weaken the immune system and aggravate certain chronic illnesses such as asthma and obesity. So it's essential to find effective ways of managing it.

Adopting a healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins, trace minerals and amino acids can have a positive influence on mood and brain function.Avoid eating quickly, especially during working hours.

Regular physical activity

Regular physical exercise regulates tension, releases endorphins and helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Daily exercise helps to regulate tension by inducing the secretion of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, while reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Meditate and relax

Mindfulness meditation, relaxation, sophrology and yoga are all beneficial stress management practices. They help to reduce anxiety and alleviate obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Focus on quality sleep

Quality sleep is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health. Relaxation exercises and physical activity help you sleep better. Avoid screens before bedtime and practise relaxation exercises to promote restful sleep.

Natural remedies

Herbal medicine can relieve stress. Plants such as soursop and lemongrass are renowned for their soothing properties.

Recipe: Bring 1.5 litres of water to the boil and add 07-10 fresh lemongrass leaves. Boil for a few minutes and remove from the heat.Before drinking, it is strongly recommended to filter the tea. You can add 03 cloves. Drink 1 cup before bedtime.

Elom AKAKPO