Psychiatrist Hüsnü Erkmen shares methods to reduce stress

In observance of World Stress Awareness Day, psychiatry expert Prof. Dr. Hüsnü Erkmen has provided several practical recommendations for managing daily stress. He emphasizes that significant lifestyle changes are not always necessary to achieve mental relaxation.

Erkmen suggests four primary methods: engaging in physical activity such as walking, participating in lighthearted social conversations, laughing with others, and reading books. He notes that casual conversations about trivial topics can be particularly beneficial because they allow individuals to relax without the pressure to defend an opinion or engage in debate. He warns that discussing sensitive or political topics in social settings can inadvertently increase tension.

Additionally, Erkmen highlights that reading serves as an escape, allowing the mind to travel to different worlds and engage in imagination, which helps distance the individual from daily stressors.