| Stress is an interpretation of an event or circumstance which
is understood to be a threat. It can be any force or pressure
put on a system (living or nonliving) which may result in a need
for the system to adapt or change. Stress on human beings is
like a rubber band. You also stretch to meet the environment
around you, the demands of your lifestyle, and the pressures you
put on yourself. If pulled too far, stress manifests itself in
real conditions mentally, physically, and emotionally. Like a
rubber band breaks when stretched too far, human beings have a
breaking point too. The secret is to learn how to handle stress
in your life and avoid becoming over-stressed.
The A B C’s of Stress
Activating event
Belief about the event
Consequences of the event
Stress is the internal pressure we put on ourselves from
external factors. Living with moderate stress keeps you sharp
and ready to move forward, however extreme stress can put you
out of commission. It depends on your stress levels---how much
you can deal with effectively. Some people thrive with stressful
situations and some people snap at the slightest uncomfortable
circumstance. Depending on your current stress level, when
confronted with a stressor, you may respond with shock or feel
stuck.
The fast-paced, technologically advanced, complicated world
has brought many changes to our lives. The pace of change does
not seem to be decreasing, but rather increasing all the time.
These changes put more demands and pressures on each of us to
make adjustments to do more with less. While stress is a
definite modern world reality, being “stressed-out” is not.
We mistakenly believe that being stressed-out is “just the way
it is.” And we often get in competition with each other about
who feels the worst!
This is crazy thinking. Stress can be a powerful motivator in
our lives, and in fact, you can learn to use stress to your
advantage. If you think about it---one form of stress or another
is responsible for everything big and small in our world. For
example, the earth “stresses” a piece of coal until it turns
into a beautiful diamond. The key is to find out how you can use
the stress in your life to create a diamond out of a rock!
As with most things in life, prevention is the best medicine.
By learning about your personal health risks, family history,
current health, and life choices (eating, exercise, smoking,
drinking, stress) you can make smarter decisions. Ultimately,
your life choices affect how you feel and how you function.
Stress management comes down to self-management. It is about
selecting appropriate options as well as making smart decisions.
The best way to avoid “burn out” is to become aware of
your unique stressors and coping mechanisms. Burn out comes from
experiencing stress over a prolonged period and often leads to a
visit to the doctor. There are many ways to alleviate stress,
however, you must find what works best for you and commit to
doing it on a daily basis.
About The Author: Michelle L. Casto,
M.Ed., is a Whole Life Coach, Speaker, and Author of the Get
Smart! LearningBook Series, which includes books and workbooks
on romantic relationships, career development, life strategy,
and stress management. To learn more or to subscribe to the Get
Smart! Live Smart newsletter, Visit virtually: www.getsmartseries.com
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