How to Manage Stress

Humans, as living creatures created by God, possess unique abilities and advantages compared to other living beings, such as the capacity for complex thought. With these abilities, it is essential to recognize the importance of self-care as a fundamental aspect of managing stress. Self-care involves utilizing our physical and mental capabilities to maintain health and well-being. According to Nurhidayah (2007), every individual has the instinct and ability to care for, protect, and maintain themselves to achieve optimal results for life and health.

This includes recovering from illness or trauma and coping with various challenges. Orem (1995) emphasizes that self-care is crucial in measuring a person's ability and independence, particularly in patients.

The Role of Personal Hygiene

Many of us are so burdened with responsibilities that we often neglect our personal needs, making it challenging to prioritize even basic self-care activities like bathing. Personal hygiene is a vital component of stress management. When we are physically and emotionally exhausted, we become less capable of handling the pressures that come our way. Engaging in self-care can benefit us both physically and mentally, and allocating time for it is never wasted. Activities such as personal hygiene (bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, nail care), ensuring adequate sleep, and participating in physical activities like exercise significantly influence stress management.

Taking a bath and receiving a massage are essential aspects of self-care. Massage involves manipulating soft tissues, typically by hand, to stimulate relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety (Craven & Hirnle, 2002). It also facilitates the pumping of oxygen to the brain. Establishing regular daily routines, such as bathing at least twice a day, brushing teeth twice daily, and trimming nails every two weeks, helps maintain cleanliness and contributes to overall well-being.

The Importance of Sleep and Environment

Another crucial aspect of self-care is ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment. Sleep plays a vital role in healing and repair, and its importance for overall quality of life cannot be overstated. Each individual has different sleep needs in terms of quantity and quality (Potter & Perry, 2006). Achieving good sleep quality is essential for health and stress reduction. Stress can easily disrupt sleep patterns, affecting both mental and physical health. It is not merely the duration of sleep that matters but its quality. Waking up feeling refreshed is a sign of good sleep quality. Furthermore, the cleanliness of the sleeping environment impacts sleep quality. Some individuals struggle to sleep if their room is messy, so maintaining a clean room by tidying up every two weeks is essential.

Physical Activity and Mental Health

Engaging in regular physical activity is another vital component of self-care. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise can help combat stress, anxiety, and depression. Routine physical activity reduces the likelihood of experiencing mental health issues. During exercise, the body produces hormones that enhance mood and promote relaxation. Exercise reduces stress by stimulating the production of endorphins, hormones that induce a sense of calm, alleviate tension, and reduce pain. Endorphins replace stress hormones and stabilize emotions. According to Stevens, R.E et al. (2013), stress hormones like cortisol increase when individuals do not engage in regular physical activity, contributing to heightened stress levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, self-care is essential for managing stress, benefiting both physical and mental well-being. By integrating self-care practices into daily life, individuals can effectively manage stress. This includes activities such as maintaining personal hygiene, ensuring good sleep quality, maintaining a clean environment, and engaging in regular exercise. These practices help manage stress and promote overall health and well-being. There are numerous effective self-care strategies to meet both physical and mental needs. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can enhance their quality of life and better cope with the challenges they face.

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