Management of Stress for Individuals and Leaders to Enhance Mental Health for Daily Life and the Workplace.

According to a recent study that was published in Cell Metabolism, Stress causes a rapid increase in the biological age of people. However, the study also discovered that, following a time of stress recovery, this accelerated aging can be reversed.

The six major causes of deaths which are—

• Heart diseases. 
• Cancer. 
• Lung conditions. 
• Accidents. 
• Cirrhosis of the liver. 
•  Suicide

are all associated with stress, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). It can also hasten aging, according to a recent study.

Healthline quotes experts as saying that stress may worsen inflammation and harm our cells' DNA, which accelerates aging.

 A lower risk of cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and other age-related illnesses is associated with a younger biological age.

According to experts, stress has a number of effects that quicken aging. It causes the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which, if the stress is too much and lasts too long, can harm DNA and cells. Second, over time, stress can result in oxidative stress.

 Oxidative stress(Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body.) can harm DNA, proteins, and cells, resulting in early aging.

Managers have the potential to be either their team's biggest stressor or their greatest ally in times of protracted uncertainty.

 A leader's capacity to control their own stress frequently makes the difference. While managers are typically results-driven, they must put their own needs first in order to support the performance and mental health of their teams when the stakes are highest.

Managers' stress levels can trickle down to staff members, affecting morale, retention, and productivity. 

According to research, managers that exhibit strange or erratic behavior, emotional instability, excessive pessimism, or disregard for others' feelings can make their employees anxious. Teams are 62% more likely to quit their positions and 56% more likely to cease engaging under managers who retreat or are more "hot-headed".

However, there are many benefits to managing stress in a simple way. A few of them are:

• Keep a look out for the body's stress-related warning signs: Aches and pains, chest pain, fatigue or insomnia, elevated blood pressure, tense muscles or clenching of the jaw, and stomach issues are a few examples of what this can feel like.
• Boost social and emotional networks: Support from friends, family, neighbors, and other groups can make it easier to handle stressful situations. Support might also take the form of enlisting the aid of psychologists and other mental health specialists.
• Become an advocate to combat stigma: 

Destigmatizing ( to remove the association of shame or disgrace from something)mental health in the workplace can be greatly aided by opening up about one's own personal experiences with mental health issues. It demonstrates to staff members that it is acceptable to experience discomfort.

• Maintain physical health: Emotional well-being can be strengthened by maintaining physical health. In order to handle and fight stress, it is crucial to have a nutritious diet, get enough sleep, and exercise.
• Develop emotional self-awareness and act towards it. Knowing the causes of dissatisfaction and worry is essential before taking the appropriate response. Prior to assessing a situation, identify emotions to help with a targeted reaction.

There is a lot of assistance available to manage work-related stress. Please let's try to cultivate self awareness and work towards it, because it affects our daily-to-day life activity.

Working under stress is unavoidable. However, how managers handle stress will be a key factor in determining how well their teams will be mentally. Managers who implement stress-reduction techniques will not only be better able to lead, but also be the biggest supporters of employee mental health and welfare.