Stress has seeped into our daily lives, as a menace and an ailment. The pace, the pressures, the expectations, and the demands on our time make it difficult to avoid stress and its build-up. What we can do, however, is acknowledging its presence and gearing ourselves to stay on top of it, and yet, be able to meet our deliverables.

In small doses, it contributes in driving us on, but when stress overwhelms us into states of depression, anxiety, restlessness, headaches, dizziness, and excessive fatigue then it may drive us to the doctor. Timely medical help goes a long way in dealing with this, along with an effective support system, counseling and awareness. We need to accept

The doctor is more a friend, a partner, who helps us in dealing with the threat that is stress. Complete honesty in sharing our emotional and physical feelings helps her in identifying any underlying ailments or psychological disorders. These, along with required clinical tests, will lead us to the source of the symptoms, and thereon, to the treatment/therapy.

Besides, there is a lot we can do ourselves. No one knows our circumstances, and us, as we know them ourselves. Identifying and fine-tuning the various triggers of stress to our comfort levels is a challenge. We all have our own stress-busters, and time we got them out of the closet. Of course, it is always useful to couple them with any medical interventions and counseling.

Prevention remains better than cure. Despite the demands on our time, and us, we still owe ourselves a protection from this potentially debilitating hazard. One needs to imbibe certain lifestyle changes. Taking out time for soothing/relaxing activities, exercising regularly, respecting one’s comfort levels/zones, setting realistic goals etc are just some of them. However, most importantly, it takes a positive outlook and correct perspective to make stress the least of our worries.