Stress Management - Develop a Social Support System
Discuss your concerns with a trusted friend or family member. Talking helps relieve stress and put things in perspective; it may also lead to a healthy plan of action.
A positive social support system provides us with emotional sustenance, tangible resources and aid, and information when we are in need. It makes us feel cared about and valued by others and we also have a sense of belonging that can come in handy in moments of despair.
Many large community surveys have linked social support to good health and a superior ability to cope with stress. In general, people with extensive social ties live longer and healthier than those with few close social contacts. Even the perception of social support can help people cope with stress. Studies have found that the promise of availability of social support by itself mitigates the stressors, irrespective of the actual support received in need.
Even a pet at home can help lower the stress. The companionship acts as a balm to your bruised mind. Studies have found that in times of stress, people with pets made fewer visits to the doctor than those without pets.
Tagged under:cope with stress relieve stress social ties stress tangible resources