The World Health Organization has released a stress management guide entitled "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress."
WHO defines stress as "feeling troubled or threatened by life."
Some of the causes of stress are illness, financial problems, family violence, among others.
WHO says stress may manifest itself through these physical signs: headache, stomach upset, heavy chest, among others.
Those who are under stress may feel guilty, sad, worried, or restless. They may have trouble eating or sleeping.
If you are feeling stressed, you can download WHO's illustrated guide "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress."
Photo: Korhan Erdol from Pexels
Be kind
When dealing with stress, WHO cited the importance of being kind to oneself and others.
"BE KIND. Notice pain in yourself and others and respond with kindness," WHO says.
"If you are kind to yourself you will have more energy to help others and more motivation to be kind to others, so everyone benefits," it added.
Steps to address stress
WHO's guide contains easy-to-follow steps to address stress such as:
(1) Grounding (slowing down and being aware of what you are feeling)
(2) Unhooking (noticing what you are feeling; giving a name to what you are feeling, and refocusing on what you are doing), and
(3) Acting according to good values that you think are important such as kindness, bravery, industriousness.
Kindness linked to happiness, contentment
Meanwhile, Psychology Today magazine says "kindness is linked inextricably to happiness and contentment—at both psychological and spiritual levels."
Citing a Japanese research, the article says a person's happiness level can increase simply by counting the acts of kindness he or she received.
The article says kindness help us develop empathy or the ability to understand how other people feel.
"Kindness promotes empathy and compassion; which in turn, leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others," it said.
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