Question

Can acute stress ever be useful? How can you handle stressful situations effectively and what stress management strategies or skills might you use?

Answer 1

Acute stress can serve many functions. For instance, eustress is a positive form of stress that has a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being as small doses of stress can mobilise individuals towards achieving their goals more efficiently. Some strategies that can be used to manage stressful situations effectively are stated as under:

• Exercise–regular, routine, and aerobic.

• Engage with support systems such as peers, community, etc.

• Express yourself—talk it over with family, friends, counselors, clergy.

• Eat right—select a healthful diet high in fruits and vegetables. Reduce caffeine.

• Rhythmic breathing—deep, slow, relaxed breathing.

• Maintain regular and consistent sleep patterns.

• Balance work and recreation.