PESHAWAR, Feb 25: Quest for material gains, yawning social disparities and a prolonged status quo-like situation created unwanted stress in every individual’s life that could be overcome with a healthy lifestyle.

This was the theme discussed at a one-day workshop entitled ‘Healthy Lifestyle.’ It was organized by the World Health Organisation in collaboration with the Khyber Medical College here on Saturday.

Most of the speakers talked about socio-economic challenges and how an average citizen could cope with them and pursue a given set of targets.

The speakers called for adopting a healthy lifestyle and explain how it could help in pursuing objectives.

They told the gathering, which included health professionals, journalists, academicians and students, to avoid social pressures and become an active member of a community that could help improve their personal life and provide a better chance to contribute for the betterment of society.

Time-management, they said, had become a yardstick that was difficult to maintain as professionals and other stake holders were finding it hard to complete a particular assignment within a certain period of time. They believed that all individuals, within the framework of personal limits, should set a timetable do their best to follow it through.

The role of physical exercise was also highlighted, and most speakers agreed that it was vital for physical fitness and helpful in addressing mental stress by strengthening nerves. They said it was an effective way to battle stress generated by day-to-day challenges.

The speakers also highlighted stress associated with different challenges and were guided how to cope with mental stresses. Speakers clarified that under certain daily situations, development of stress of was natural, and it should not be taken too seriously and should be tackled in a tactful manner.

After 40 years of age, challenges at professional and domestic levels created a certain amount of stress, but one should not worry, they said.

Use of drugs in unfavourable situations was also debated.