Procedures to Prevent occurrences of Mental Stress

Are you sleeping restlessly, feeling irritable or moody forgetting little things and feeling
overwhelmed and isolated. Don't worry we've all been there you probably just stressed
out.
What is stress?
According to Mental Health Foundation Stress is a feeling of being under abnormal
pressure. This pressure can come from different aspects of your day to day life.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress

But how can we determine if you are experiencing stress?

Stated by Mental Health Foundation Maybe you're:

*Experiencing constant worry or anxiety.
*feelings of being overwhelmed
difficulty concentrating
*mood swings or changes in your mood
*irritability or having a short temper
*difficulty relaxing
depression
*low self-esteem
*eating more or less than usual
changes in your sleeping habits
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress

So here are some steps how to protect yourself from stress:

STEP 1. Eat healthily

You can protect your feelings of wellbeing by ensuring that your diet provides adequate
amounts of brain nutrients. (Mental health foundation)
"Eating a healthy diet can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body,"
- Matthew J. Kuchan, Ph. D., a senior research scientist at Abbott.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/nutrition-health-and-wellness/healthy-diet-can-
reduce-stress.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-
management/art-20044489

STEP 2. Be aware of smoking and drinking alcohol

It may take you in worse situation
Even though they may seem to reduce tension initially, this is misleading as they often
make problems worse (Mental health foundation)
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress

STEP 3. Exercise
Even just going out and getting some fresh air, and taking some light physical exercise.
(Mental Health Foundation)

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-
management/art-20044489

STEP 4. Take time out

Tell yourself that it is okay to prioritize self-care. (Mental Health Foundation)
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress

STEP 5. Be mindful
Mindfulness is a mind-body approach to life that helps us to relate differently to
experiences.
Research has suggested that it can reduce the effects of stress, anxiety and related
problems such as insomnia, poor concentration and low moods, in some people.
(Mental Health Foundation)
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress

STEP 6. Get some restful sleep

The NIH says adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night to stay in good mental health.
(Mental Health Foundation)
“Loss of sleep impairs your higher levels of reasoning, problem-solving and attention to
detail,”- Mitler
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-
management/art-20044489

STEP 7. Don’t be too hard on yourself

Act as if you were your own best friend: be kind and supportive.
(Mental Health Foundation)
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
https://www.who.int/indonesia/news/novel-coronavirus/new-infographics/who-stress-
management-guide

STEP 8. Pray