The Biggest Cat has read and heard lots about how to cope with stress and stuff. But he thinks how NOT to cope with stress is also almost equally important. So, he’s done some snooping to bring you 5 most ineffective ways of coping with stress.
1. Smoking
Almost everyone is aware of the various dangers and hazards of smoking. Though it may bring a feeling of calmness and sense of relief, it sends out its own stress reaction, by introducing some nicotineinto the blood stream. This decreases the lungs’ efficiency. Many people would be horified at the idea of taking drugs to cope with stress, but would be delighted to light up a nice cigarette. But one should have in mind that nicotine itself is a powerful and a very fast acting drug, that’s harmful also!
2. Alcohol
This is widely used owing to its effect on the mood. For many people, the release of social inhibitions that a farely large quantity of alcohol gives, makes social interaction easier. But blood alcohol concentration is something to be kept in mind. Three factors decide this: sex, weight and speed of drinking. Alcohol affects judgement of sorts. Dependence on alcohol can be both physical and psychological. Both cause the same harm - your increased addiction to it.
3. Drugs
The use of legal and/or illegal drugs does nothing to actually solve the problem that is behind the stress that triggered the person to use it. Behaviourally, they can cause drowsiness, dull sensitiveness and, with prolonged use, lessen intellectual capabilities.
4. Diet And Eating
A balanced and healthy diet is necessary to maintain a healthy body that can cope with stress. Some people eat less or almost stop eating under stress, while others eat more, reaching out for their own particular ‘comfort food’. Both groups need to be aware of their problem and take appropriate steps to overcome it.
5. Overwork
Many people try to cope with stress and problems by working longer and more. It sounds strange, but it is true. Working for too long a time, without adequate rests or change, is likely to cause errors to increase and lead you to become otherwise inefficient, as a result, generating yet more work. Overwork can be a way of masking other problems. You maybe overworked because you are generally inefficient or because you do not have the necessary competence or skills to do the job. You might have problems at home, with family and so on. Dealing with these problems will stop the need for overwork.
