People always get stressed. Many people think they only get stressed in bad situations, but it’s not true. People also get stressed when they are happy. Experts say that people experience stress with life changes such as marrying, getting a job, or the death of a loved one. It is important that people adapt well to changing situations.
Biologically, stress passes through three stages: alarm reaction, resistance and exhaustion. When people face a very stressful situation and go through the stage of exhaustion, they may become physically ill, so it is advised to know how to cope with stress before this stage.

1. Progressive muscular relaxation
This method is widely used in hospitals. It is easy, so people can do it in anywhere quiet. People repeat the process of muscle tension and relaxation from head to toe. If they tense up their right arm muscle, they should maintain tension for 7 seconds, and then relax and take deep breaths for 30 seconds. It is an effective method to cope with stress.

2. Meditation
Meditation has long been practiced in eastern religions. It can decrease blood pressure and reduce some stress-associated symptoms. People don’t think during meditation. They just concentrate on saying one word. It is the sound that creates positive feelings. Meditation has an effect on emotional disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and anxiety.

3. Problem solving
This is a very adaptive coping style to get rid of stress. People assess their situation objectively, and deal with it in a calm and orderly way. If others help people who are in stressful situations, it can be better.

4. Pets
According to a study, people who raise pets are better at coping with stress. They have an interdependent relationship with their pets, so when they stroke their pets and commune with them, they feel peace and quiet. People think of their pets as both friend and family. They feel comfortable with their pets, and even open their hearts to them.

5. Music
Music reduces depression, and causes appreciable changes in life. People can listen to music, play music, or sing a song. When they enjoy music, they feel delight and gladness.

6. Yoga
When people do yoga, they can both stretch their body and meditate. Yoga is done in peace and quiet with slow music. People can concentrate on their body, mind and breathing. Office workers can practice yoga after work to get rid of their workday stress.

7. Other
There are other methods to reduce stress in life, such as aromatherapy, spending time in nature, bathing, praying, reading books, and exercising.
All of these are useful ways to decrease restlessness and live more cannily, so why not try some of these methods?

Lim Se-jin  kuk7651@naver.com

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