Stress has become our daily problem. Guiding and counselling offices have been set up all over to handle this problem.
Some members of the Kalenjin community, however, don't wait to be guided and counselled on how to solve stress.
They have several ways of solving them accordingly. This is the list of techniques they use according to some of the members of the community we spoke to;
Getting enough sleep
Lack of enough sleep has always been linked to stress. According to Hillary Kipkoech Kirarei, a Kalenjin elder, they always have a norm of retiring early to bed. This guarantees members of community sufficient sleep.
"Working late has not been our practice," says Kirarei who also revealed that a majority of the Kalenjin children are expected to be in bed no later than 9.00 pm.
Take more milk than caffeine, nicotine and alcohol
Kalenjins prefer the fermented milk popularly known as 'mursik' than other drinks. Alcohol is rated to be depressant if taken beyond normal quantities. A good number of Kalenjins avoid alcoholic drinks.
"Associate me with cows and we shall be friends," Amos Koech, also a Kalenjin elder admits.
Nicotine and Caffeine are stimulants. This increases the level of stress. Kalenjins use this in minimal quantities.
Planning ahead
"My dad always delegates us duties a day before, sometimes weeks before tasks are done," 17-year-old Mercy Jelagat revealed.
Before retiring to bed, most Kalenjins normally plan what they will do the following day. Parents delegate some duties to children and house helpers if any. This makes them have a list of what to do and what not to. You will agree with me it reduces levels of stress.
Exercise
It is an open secret that a good number of Kalenjins are renowned athletes. Even though not all participate in competitions, a majority of them wake up early to run for a few kilometres which is a form of daily exercises. Ask professions in the medical field ad they will categorically tell you that exercising reduces stress greatly.
Running helps most Kalenjins to cope with stress.
Living stress-free is the most wonderful thing ever experienced.
Everyone should always try ways which suit them to cope with stress.
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