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Everybody has to deal with stress. As African Americans, high blood pressure and related ailments are the clearest indicators that we are not only experience elevated stress levels, but that we are also probably mismanaging that stress. Workplace issues and personal drama contribute extensively to the pressures of the day. Following are some examples of common stressors and useful coping strategies.
Workplace stress:
For many African Americans, the job can be one of the primary sources of stress in daily life. Whether its job instability, a heavy workload, or personality conflicts, you need to identify the specifics of the problem before you can begin to address it. Be aware that the stress can begin to affect your relationships — both on the job and outside the workplace.
Take Breaks:
At regular intervals, pause to catch your breath. You can’t be productive for your employer or yourself if you’re burnt out. It’s only realistic that you will need to regroup, and you’ll need to regroup regularly.Choose Friends Wisely:
Look to your friends for camaraderie. When looking to alleviate stress, few methods are more effective than turning to someone you can talk to. Talking through your problems is healthy, but stay away from the negativity of others. Their toxicity can be infectious and will only worsen your own negative feelings and anxiety.
Interpersonal stress:
Oftentimes our loved ones and associates can inadvertently be the source of stress. Financial strain, parental difficulties, and marital conflicts are common sources of anxiety and friction between family members and friends. As hard as it may be, you must learn to say ‘no’ to some requests from your loved ones.
Keep A Record of Your Stress:
Keep a journal of the source of your stress for a week. Describe the situation and your reaction. This will help you identify your triggers, and hopefully, avoid them.Exercise and Diet:
Along with keeping you fit, regular exercise releases endorphins, which help lighten your mood and reduce tension. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and excessive amounts of sugar. An overabundance of stimulants will only add to your stress level; and they put more stress on the nervous system and muscles.
In the face of adversity, our minds and bodies are trained to react. But it is up to us to reduce the severity of the negative effects of stress and anxiety. Maintaining both a positive outlook and positive habits can ensure that we sidestep some of the health problems that often come with misdirected stress. –todd williams
