What is Stress?
Perhaps the best way to sum up ‘stress‘ is to look at what it isn’t. It isn’t being bored and disinterested. Without stress, that’s exactly how you would feel. Stress is like the caffeine in coffee, the bubbles in champagne, the icing on the cake. It gives life a buzz, a fizz, a high. It makes you get up and do things. Stress is not only good, it is vital.
So Why Does it Make Me Feel Bad?
Too much caffeine – too much champagne – too much sugar. Excess stress is a problem, even when the underlying causes are pleasant ones. Getting married can be lead to excess stress, so can moving to a new home. All the big things in life can stress you out: babies and holidays as well as sickness or losing your job.
Stress Management Methods
Stress makes demands on you, physically, mentally and emotionally. Too much stress will push you beyond your ability to cope. You may feel there are not enough hours in the day, and become worn out and tired, anxious or distressed. You won’t want to contemplate solving another problem, tackling another task, talking to yet another person.
And you know what? That’s probably exactly the right response. If you cannot cope with the situation as it is, it’s time to change either the situation or yourself.
How Do I Deal with Excess Stress?
By making the stressful situation less so, if you can. If your wedding plans are driving you nuts, elope. If you’re worried about the reaction of people to your latest news, don’t tell them. Confront a situation straight on, once and for all, or avoid it entirely.
Of course it isn’t always possible to do either of those. If the new baby is exhausting you by crying all night, you need a more subtle approach. Either sleep when the baby sleeps, or get someone else to take a turn looking after him.
If you can’t find a way of modifying your situation, ask for help. Given that you’re worn out, your imagination won’t be up to much. A fresh eye may spot a fix that you’ve never even thought of.
When a situation turns out to be rigid and unavoidable, it’s you who will have to change. Recall the example of being worried about the reaction of people to your news? Does it really matter so much what they think? Are you too concerned about opinions? Are you a perfectionist or fastidious? Does an untidy room drive you to despair? Do you fly off into a temper easily? Maybe you need to let go a bit, relax, find a different perspective.
On the other hand, maybe you’re your own worst enemy: disorganized, forgetful, a walking disaster area. You’re stressed because you’re always late for meetings, or for work, or you can never find the object, or remember the name or fact that you need. All of these can be overcome with time and thought and advice.
But if None of that Works?
See your doctor who may suggest some more specific self-help techniques or a support group. You may also be referred to a therapist, as there are several techniques that could be applicable, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy or Anger Management. Don’t let Stress continue to distress you. With a bit of help it will go back to being the icing on your cake.
Stress Management Methods
