Stress can be described as a circumstance or situation that disturbs or is likely to disturb the normal physiological or psychological functioning of a person.
Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s
1. Avoid unnecessary stress
- Learn how to say “no”
- Avoid people who stress you out
- Take control of your environment
- Avoid hot-button topics
- Pare down your to-do list
2. Alter the situation
- Express your feelings instead of bottling them up
- Be willing to compromise
- Be more assertive
- Manage your time better.
3. Adapt to the stressor
- Reframe problems
- Look at the big picture
- Adjust your standards
- Focus on the positive.
4. Accept the things you can’t change
- Don’t try to control the uncontrollable
- Look for the upside
- Share your feelings
- Learn to forgive
Dr Mohit Shah is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Unlimited Potentialities (comprehensive mental health care clinic having 3 branches in Mumbai)