How to Prevent Stress

For many men, the workplace is the main source of stress. Usually, men tend to take too much responsibility and try to control things that could not be in their control. Sometimes, to work out this problem and prevent stress, we can make our priorities, find a more sensible approach, and gain better perspective on what things we can control, and what are out of our domain. In this way, we will have more energy to focus on things that we can manage. Not only that huge stress can emerge from regular daily activities and increasing demands for productivity, but it can also come from the job insecurity. This pressure becomes bigger if a man identifies too much with his role of breadwinner. Whether we have problems with our co-workers, not getting enough credit for our accomplishments, or feeling unmotivated in our workplace or family life, there are some tips that we can follow in order to reduce stress. The article “Avoiding Stress” gives some useful advice on how to prevent stress.

• Learn to recognise when you are stressed: Knowing what is likely to cause stress can help avoid such things in the future. Keep a record of what
situations make you stressful and see how you might deal with them in other ways in the future.

• Learn to relax: Many people do not include relaxation time in their schedules. Conscious relaxation is important for your body and mind and can help you
deal with the negatives of stress.

• Time management: Effective time management allows the amount of work or other commitments undertaken to be regulated, reduces the uncertainty of not
having enough time to complete every task required and allows for the planning of ‘time off’ periods in which to relax.

• Reduce the demands on yourself: Do not over-commit yourself and be prepared to say ‘No’ if the load is too great. It is common for people to
overestimate how much can be achieved in a particular space of time, so leave free time to cope with the unexpected.

• Ensure that you get enough fun out of life: Plan time in the day to do something that gives you pleasure. Looking forward to such times helps when you
have to cope with less pleasant aspects of life.

• Positive thinking: Do not dwell on failures and reward yourself for your successes. Accept that everyone has limits and cannot succeed at everything.
Reflect on what you have achieved.

• Practice assertiveness: Asserting yourself in a positive, non-threatening way can help to combat stress. Accept the demands placed on you only as a
matter of choice.

• Look after your physical well-being: People are better able to cope with stress when their bodies are healthy. Poor health in itself is a major source
of stress. Incorporating periods of physical exercise into your routine will help to improve muscle control, make you feel healthier and increase self-
esteem. Try to improve your diet and avoid stimulants as much as possible. Excess caffeine or nicotine can make individuals feel anxious or on-edge.
Also, ensure you get enough sleep.

• Seek support from others: Do not try to cope with problems alone. Having someone to share your problems can greatly help to ‘off load’ the stress. You
might find it useful to talk to a friend or work colleague, or talk to your line manager or employer if you are experiencing stress in the work place.

Very early, many men have learnt what is the core of traditional masculinity and hide their feelings. The only feeling which is socially accepted to be expressed by men is controlled anger. While it can be useful to communicate these feelings, very often it ends with yelling in traffic or shouting at the sport match. Since women get an emotional support system from their friends, they are better communicator when it comes to stress. On the other hand, men are prone to avoidance of problem through excessive drinking, comfort eating, smoking, or abusing drugs. In order to decrease stress, the most important step is to acknowledge the pressure and be willing to do something about it. Even though statistics warn us that the stress rate grows rapidly, there are many solutions, but only if we decide to look for.