The most common social pressures are unemployment, lack of finance, alcoholism, domestic violence and substance abuse. Social pressure can take the form of any of the above mentioned, but the most common of them seems to be unemployment. This affects the family in so many ways.
For the purpose of promoting growth in any career of choice, individuals through job applications widen the horizon of career goals for a sustainable provision of sustenance. Especially to an immediate environment and society at large. But what happens when there is no sustainable provision for such growth? What happens when mental health depletes?
This here is the implication, why the individuals today grow afraid of tomorrow and how to manage mental pressure.
An average human is not without civil expectations. Societal pressures are expectations that affect the entire community, or specific parts of it starting with an individual. An instance is seen in the pressure to get married and have children. In a fast-paced society like today, these expectations have become pressure valves with society at the supply port. Unchecked and unattended to, they are bound to ‘malfunction’. Individuals that fall prey to this ‘malfunction’ are often perceived as disoriented. In very common cases, they are subjected to stress which once overwhelmed and prolonged, creates risks for mental health problems. Thus, medical problems increase. Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.
There is hope that effective solutions (however time-bound they may be) can be deployed, adopted and implemented by individuals. The solutions have been shown to promote a healthy balance between mental health and societal pressures. These include:
- Identification of one’s best time of day to do the important tasks that need the most energy and concentration at that time.
- Utilization of schedules and or to do lists.
- Drafting and planning smaller and more achievable targets, goals, etc.
- Varying activities according to individual preferences.
- Avoid over tasking. Do the much you are sure to finish, one at a time.
- Take breaks and take things slowly.
- Talking about individual feelings as such can help one stay in good mental health and deal with times when troubled.
- Be active via exercises as they can boost self-esteem and can improve concentration, sleep, and mood.
- Accept individual differences. It is comparatively healthier to accept one’s uniqueness than wishing to be like someone else.
- Endeavour to eat well and drink sensibly. A diet that’s good for one’s physical health can also improve one’s mental health. Avoid drinks as an outlet for managing pressure as such can impede mental health.
The mental health of an individual goes a great deal in determining such an individual’s potential and productivity. One must not be in a hurry all the time. Society today may not stop mounting pressure on individuals. The youth especially. Therefore, one must identify one’s strengths and understand the best pace (unaffected by external pressures) to maximize productivity. It remained a winning strategy in success stories ab initio. And it has defied obsolescence today.
Chizaram D. Ezugwu
