On Thursday, honorary professor Tumuluri Durga Vimala of Acharya Nagarjuna University’s psychology department participated in the last day of International Stress Awareness Week, which is observed from November 4 to November 8.

Speaking at the occasion, she said that stress may keep us motivated and help us remain vigilant to avoid risky circumstances. However, an unexpected stressful incident, too many stressful events occurring at once, or persistent stress may weaken us and impair our capacity for adaptation and coping.

The International Stress Management Association of the United Kingdom, a registered charity and the leading professional organization for workplace and personal stress management, is organizing this year’s awareness week with the theme of a campaign to reduce stress and improve wellbeing, supporting good mental health, wellbeing, and performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major factor in the over 190 million individuals who reported feeling much more stressed in 2020 than in prior years, according to the Gallup Global Emotions Report-2021.

According to senior psychologist Dr. M. Shravana Krishna Kumari, stress may be instantly reduced by stretching, working out, or even going for a stroll. Stress levels may be lowered by discussing a difficult circumstance or issue you are facing with a trusted person.” She goes on to say that breathing exercises, gradual muscle relaxation, and mindfulness practices will all help people deal with stress.