Stress Management in the Nepali Army: Enhancing Personal Well-being for Professional Readiness

Abstract

This article critically examines the importance of stress management among personnel of the NA to enhance personal well‑being for professional readiness. The central argument asserts that unmanaged stress arising from personal, organizational, and environmental domains undermines morale, discipline, and performance, while effective stress management enhances resilience, motivation, and professional efficiency. The study pursues the objectives of identifying the existing stressors within the NA personnel, their impact and practical strategies for stress management. This study adopts a literature‑ and policy‑oriented review design grounded in the principles of military psychology and occupational stress specific to the NA. Findings reveal that stress among the NA personnel stems primarily from operational challenges, workplace environment, socio‑economic conditions, and personal or family‑related strains. Positive stress (eustress) makes a person alert, enhances the sense of urgency and increases performance, whereas negative stress (distress) leads to cognitive decline, emotional fatigue, and reduced professional performance. Active engagement of commanders at all levels, early intervention, and structured stress management measures can significantly mitigate such consequences. The study concludes that institutionalizing stress management measures within the NA is essential not only for individual welfare but also as a strategic tool for maintaining operational excellence, fostering unit cohesion, and ensuring a resilient mission‑ready force.