Stress is detrimental to both your emotional and physical well-being. It makes it difficult to think clearly, function properly, and enjoy life.

Effective stress management allows you to free yourself from the grip that stress has on your life, allowing you to be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is to live a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun as well as the strength to keep going when times become challenging.

It requires effort to learn how to manage your stress, but you can and should do it.

What causes stress?

• exams and deadlines
• difficult issues at work
• facing big changes
• worrying about something
• starting a new job
• times of uncertainty
• losing your job
• long-term unemployment
• not having enough activities in your life
• long-term health problems

How to manage stress?

1. Exercise
   Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to relax your body and mind. For example; swimming, cycling and jogging.
2. Deep breathing
   Pausing and taking a few deep breaths can immediately reduce stress.
3. Eat well
   Eating a well-balanced diet regularly will make you feel better. It can help you handle your emotions.
4. Make time for hobbies
   Every day, try to do something that makes you happy, and it will help you relax. For example; reading, painting, and cooking.
5. Sleep
   Better sleep habits can help. For example; set a sleep schedule, try meditation at bedtime, and reduce caffeine.

You may relieve some of your stress and make yourself more resilient to stress in the future by adopting regular stress management solutions.