STRESS
The Most Important Skills
You Must Learn
In Order to Cope with Stress
Are You Beyond Stressed?
“Learn the tools and techniques to cope with stress and chronic stress”
Did you know…?
Each year, millions of Americans die of stress-related illnesses. Heart disease, strokes, and even some forms of cancer may be caused by stress in certain individuals. If we include the damage done by smoking, overeating, alcohol, and drugs--all commonly used to cope with stress--we can see that if we let stress linger it can turn into chronic stress which can become serious, often fatal, consequences.
What is stress?
Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Common symptoms include:
- Tension
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Inability to hold healthy relationships
What are the symptoms of chronic stress?
The warning signs include:
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Sleeping disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Drug, Alcohol or other Addictive behaviors
Everyone experiences stress in their lives at some point, but when stress begins to affect your life on a daily basis causing you difficulty to function productively then it is necessary that you do something about it before it causes serious damages in your life that sometimes can become fatal.
Here are some tools and techniques to help you cope with your stress:
- Don’t take on more than you can sallow: We all have limitations. Some can do more than others. Don’t compare yourself to what other individuals are doing. Focus on how much you can handle and don’t go over your limitations.
- It’s OK to say “NO”: If someone asks you to take on an assignment at work or asks you do something in general you know you can’t handle than don’t be afraid to say “NO”. Taking on more than we can handle causing unnecessary stress and can lead to chronic stress.
- Start scheduling your time: Learn better ways to manage your time. You’ll get more done and experience less stress if you make a schedule or a task list. Think about which things you should make your first priority and focus on those responsibilities first.
- Stay away from stressful people: Stay away from the people who cause you stress. The less involved they’re in your lives the less stress you will experience. If certain individuals at work are causing you stress it may be difficult to stay away from them in the office. Try distancing yourself the best you can from them. The less you are around them the better you will feel.
- Create change: Look at how you have been dealing with your stress. Be honest with yourself about what works and what doesn’t. Figure other ways that might work better for you. For example, if traveling to work by car causes you stress then you may want to consider taking the bus as a source for transportation.
- Find a support group: If you know what’s causing you the stress, but you’re unsure how to get rid of it you may want to find a support group that relates to your problem. Try going on the computer and look up support groups in your area related to stress or for your specific problem. You’ll be surprised how many are listed.
- Get professional help: When stress becomes chronic it has obviously gotten to a point where intervention is necessary. You may want to consider professional consultation. Professionals who specialize in stress can help you get rid of stress and provide you with the necessary tools to keep stress out of your life permanently.
Everyone experiences stress, but if you experience stress on a daily basis then you need to find ways to cope with your stress before it becomes a serious problem. Everyone deserves a happy, healthy and productive life. If you’re experiencing stress on a daily basis than don’t wait until it’s too late find healthy ways to cope with your stress. Deal with your stress immediately. You’ll be glad you did.
