Beyond Stress Management by Dr. Monika Das
Many people talk about stress management, but a question worth asking is: do we actually need stress in our lives? For most of us, the answer is likely a clear NO. So, why focus so heavily on managing stress? Instead, our efforts could centre around eliminating it altogether. Imagine if we put the same focus on managing things that truly enhance our lives—our health, wealth, and the relationships we've cultivated over time. Why not aim to clear stress from our lives, rather than constantly "managing" it?
The answer is that eliminating stress is indeed possible. It requires tools, techniques, and consistent practices, much like any skill we cultivate over time. Often, it’s through a visit to a therapist or counsellor that we become aware that stress doesn’t appear out of nowhere; rather, it builds up slowly, taking root and eventually consuming us. This awareness is a victory in itself. It marks the first essential step in understanding not just that we are stressed, but how and when it all began. This awareness can be a golden gateway to a life free of chronic stress.
Awareness is not only the beginning of better mental health but also foundational to overall physical well-being. Recognizing and addressing the root of stress empowers us to work toward a life of greater peace and balance, where we no longer manage stress but actively move beyond it.