Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand
What you will learn in this blog?
- Why are people stressed?
- What is the situation in India?
- How to get rid of stress?
If I say an average Indian is stressed…I am sure most of you will agree. Though it’s a Global phenomenon, things are much worse off in India. Narrowing it down to the stress levels of students and their parents, a study revealed that India has the highest rate of suicides in the age group of 15 and 29 years. Yes, the years when students begin to specialize in their field of study and choose and build a career for themselves.
After discussion with students, the reasons for this stress, which become apparent, are: Fear of exams, fear of failure, peer pressure, uncertainty about future, etc. This fear is not because of competition and pressure in schools alone. To a great extent, it is also generated from the expectations and reactions of people in one’s immediate social contact, such as parents, friends, relatives and neighbours.
The worst is the pressure from parents. Children can’t relax at home as parents themselves are a cause of stress. No doubt, they all mean well. All parents want the best for their children. Unwittingly, though, even with this noblest of intentions, they create tremendous stress for their offspring.
Under the Indian Education System, a student must score well to excel in life. Keeping this fact at the back of their minds and imagining a perfect picture for their child’s future, parents force their children to study all the time. They drastically reduce the children’s playing, internet and television time and forget that these activities are major stress busters for the young ones too! The fear of failure is ingrained in the parents’ brains and can frequently be sensed in their behaviour. The children also try to do their best to fulfill the wishes of their parents.
And failure to do so, drives them towards becoming loners and depressed. Eventually, many, unable to cope up with life, are driven to drugs and even attempt suicide.
Nonetheless, this discussion is not about the causes of stress, but the ways to overcome them.
Here are a few suggestions:
a) We must understand that a failure in an exam is not the end of life. Human beings deal with failure in professional life too. So why such a hue and cry on failure in an exam?
b) Parents should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their children. If not, meeting a psychologist or a career counselor is a good idea. Do not shy away from it. They can suggest the most appropriate streams or careers.
c) Parents should aim at helping their children choose a career that is right for their child, rather than forcing their own personal choice of career onto the child. This kind of support also leads to reduction of stress levels for both.
d) A student’s time should be well balanced. There should be proper allocation of time for studies, health and leisure. Parents should guide their children to do so.
e) A student should be well-motivated. Parents should be inspirational for them. The environment at home should be such that a student can look up to parents during stress.
f) A healthy body has a healthy mind. Exercise regularly. It will keep you de-stressed. Going out for a walk, meditation or yoga could be great options.
g) Music is a great stress buster. If you agree, go for it and enjoy! Music can bring peace to your mind.
