How to handle stress?

Stress is every day fact of life. Stress can be defined as a perceived reaction to a stimulus which is existing or not existing. It has 3 component emotional, cognitive and physical components. Stress can be eustress which is positive and distress which is negative. Stressors are pressure that induces stress. One can handle stress either by negative coping strategies and positive coping strategies.
Negative coping methods initially combat the immediate effects of the stressful event or situation, giving false sense of relief and comfort. These methods have cumulative negative effects on one’s body and mind and he/she may feel their damaging effects when it is too late to change this coping pattern, For example drinking alcohol, smoking, eating disorders, resorting to drugs or tranquilizers, drinking too much coffee, sleeping too much etc. are some of the negative coping methods.
Positive coping methods are the health friendly methods or habits to reduce stress. These include:
*Nutrition: It is believed proper healthy diet which is rich in all micro and macro nutrients can help to reduce stress. Vitamins like B complex, C and E protect against stress. Healthy improves ones immune system and increases resistance level.
*Exercises: Exercises can potentially reduce the stress levels by releasing certain neuro chemicals which can combat stress induced changes and gives a sense of wellbeing.
*Visual or mental imaginary technique is also an effective way to handle the stress. It is based on imagining something pleasant which can make one feel good. Also it acts as a distraction from the stressors.
*Distraction technique aims at diverting ones attention away from the stressors. This can be in the form of deep breathing exercises, imaging something pleasant, counting from1-10 and 10-1, chanting etc
* Yoga and Meditation helps to focus the consciousness and bring psycho-physiological changes to relive all forms of stresses. Pranayama, Shavasana, yoga nidra etc. are some of the yoga techniques to relive stress.
*Massage, Acupressure etc, has a somatosensory effect which works in acute relief of stress. These techniques also induces whole body relaxation,
Other methods to handle stress are Behavioral modification and counseling; Cognitive positive reinforcement technique; cope up strategies among family and friends; Environmental modification; music therapy; etc.

Eva has a great explanatory answer here and what I would like to add is
''MUSIC THERAPY''. Music does wonders to everyone whether you are under stress or not, it works for everyone. It can heal your life and take away all the pain if you really want to get rid of it. Many Doctors suggest their patents to undergo this therapy in order to find peace and mental satisfaction. If you are able to relate to that music or those lyrics you do not feel alone and the only one who is affected by stress or any such problem. Try it !!

A very appreciable post by Eva, thanks.

The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. Good stress to stay motivated and productive. Dr. Asa Andrew, MD is a national best-selling author and host of one of the fastest growing radio and television programs in America, Dr. Asa ON CALL. He is a health and medical contributor to FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC and has appeared on shows such as Good Morning America and The 700 Club. You can lean some stress reliving techniques with Dr. Asa Andrew.