| | Stress is an abnormal condition that disrupts the normalfunctions of the body or mind. No two people are affected inexactly the same way, or to the same degree, but most peopleliving in our highly industrialized society suffer from itseffects at one or more times during their lives. Symptoms rangefrom mind headaches, occasional bouts of insomnia, overallrestlessness, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome,constipation and diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
SELECTED LIFE EVENTS THAT CAN BRING ON STRESS:
Death of Spouse.Death of a close family member.Death of a close friend.Major personal injury, illness or pregnancy.Sexual molestation, drug abuse.Major change in the health or behavior of a family member.Gaining or losing a new family member.Sexual difficulties.Marital separation from mate.Marriage, marital reconciliation, divorce.Arguments with spouse, family members, friends, co-workers.Changes in sleeping habits or change in part of day when asleep.Vacations, Major holidays. In-law troubles.Financing major purchases.Beginning or ceasing formal schooling.Change in usual type and or amount of recreation.Change in outside social activities, religions, etc.Major change in eating habits, Iiving conditions, moving.Spouse beginning or ceasing work outside the home.Changing to a different line of work.Major change in responsibilities at work.Changes in working hours or conditions.Troubles with the boss.Being fired at work.Starting a new job or career.Retirement from work.Business readjustment, changes in financial condition.Minor violations of the law (e.g., traffic tickets, disturbingthe peace, etc.)Detention in jail or other institution.Dealing With Work Related Stress
Examples that can cause work related stress are trying to gettoo much work done in too little time, cutting corners orotherwise taking chances that may put you, or someone else atrisk, and trying to get along with superiors and co-workers.
Everybody has days when there simply seems there's too much workto get done. Trying to get everything done by yourself can bringon stress. Some people try and deal with the pressure bydelegating certain jobs to others. If you can unburden yourselfand not worry about when and how the work gets done, if you canput full faith and trust in co-workers or subordinates it can bean effective escape valve. Trouble is, most people can't let go.If you have the type of personality that demands to know howthings are going, chances are you're only increasing thepressure and stress on yourself by constantly worrying if thework is getting done or not.
To lessen stress you must either learn to trust others to getthe job done, or prioritize jobs to get rid of "what must bedone" first. Many people tend to "put off" the difficult jobsthey hate to do until the last possible minute. Of course, thisonly makes it all the more difficult and stressful when youfinally get around to doing what you should have done earlier.
When you feel the "walls closing in on you" if possible, take abreak. Many people in trying to relax actually kick their bodiesinto overdrive by using their break time to either get anicotine or caffeine fix. Instead of calming you down, bothsubstances being stimulants speed up your body processes. Youmay think you're relaxing, but your blood pressure and heart areworking harder.
Instead of coffee or cigarettes try a brief chat with friends, ashort leisurely walk, even just looking out the window for a fewminutes. Never take breaks, or eat lunch at your work station.The point of a break is to get away from whatever work you'redoing. You can't get your mind off your work if you're chainedto your work area.
Getting along with your co-workers and the boss can be more thana sore point. It can be something you learn to put up with, orit can turn into a festering wound that only gets worse withtime. If you're having problems, get them out in the open. Mostmanagers today at least have some training in dealing withpersonal problems. If you can't clear the air or have triedusing all the company procedures to resolve a grievance, and youno longer enjoy your job, hate to go to work in the morning, orfeel that the pressure is getting to be too much, it may be timeto seriously consider a change.
STRESS AWAY FROM WORK
Anyone who's ever been stuck in a major traffic jam probably hasseen the darker side of many people's personalities. It seemseveryone is always in a hurry to either get, or go somewhere,and never seem to allow enough time for the everyday problemsthat are bound to crop up from time to time.
Banging on the steering wheel, laying on the horn, givingsomeone the "finger," or shooting a string of obscenities isonly reacting to something that has already happened. You can'tmake the guy in front of you go any faster, or prevent someonefrom cutting you off. Accidents, road repairs, and just plainheavy traffic happens. Learn to deal with it or don't drive. Ifyou must, at least change your route from time to time. Alwaysallow plenty of time, and try and make all trips as pleasant aspossible. You may not realize it, but how you act on your way towork, or on your way home will have either a positive ornegative impact. Accept the fact that it's something you justhave to get through so you may as well try and make the best ofit.
Most people are smart enough to know that they should set sometime aside to take it easy. If you participate in some sportsactivity, remember you're doing it to relax! While many peoplenaturally have their competitive nature come to the surface whenengaging athletics, don't lose sight of the fact you'reparticipating to have fun. Don't get bent out of shape if youdon't always win or otherwise play up to par. The whole point isto enjoy yourself and forget your everyday worries. Treat it asa night out with the "boys," or gals and relax!
Families can be as source of support, an oasis away from theeveryday pressures or sometimes it's only a place to grab a fewhours sleep and get back in the rat race. Your children, spouse,family members, in-laws can be a source of irritation at times.If someone is constantly doing something that really "bugs you,"tell the offending person or persons and see if things can bestraightened out before things get out of control.
A man's home (a woman's too) should indeed be a place to restand relax. Many people find it helpful unwind by sharing theday's events with their loved ones. It should not develop into adaily routine, nor should you give a detailed blow by blow recapof the day's events, but when things go wrong, who better totalk to than your family? Holding things back, keeping it insideyourself, almost always does more harm than good and can affectnot only your well-being but everyone else in your family aswell. Talking things over is a great way to get rid of built upstress that many people overlook.
You should also be a good listener. Don't unload your problemsand have no time for your mate's or children's problems. Theymay seem trivial to you, but they are real problems that needsolving just like yours.
A great way to get rid of stress is, every once in a while, dosomething totally different and unexpected without any priorplanning. Don't fall into a trap when you must do such and suchthing a certain way, or at specific time or place. If you alwaysput on a blue suit on Thursday, or go to an Italian restauranton Tuesday, break the habit every once in a while. Even doingthings you like can become stressful if you're stuck in the sameold rut week after boring week.
Stress can best be managed by realizing what you can changeabout your life and knowing what you can't. Learn how torecognize the difference and you'll enjoy life more and bebetter able to deal the ups and downs that are part ofeveryone's life.
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