WHAT STRESS IS.
Stress is an abnormal condition that disrupts the normal functions of the
body or mind. No two people are affected in exactly the same way, or to the
same degree, but most people living in our highly industrialized society
suffer from its effects at one or more times during their lives. Symptoms
range from mild headaches, occasional bouts of insomnia, overall
restlessness, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and
diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Everybody has days when there simply seems there's too much work to get
done. Trying to get everything done by yourself can bring on stress. Some
people try and deal with the pressure by delegating certain jobs to others.
If you can unburden yourself and not worry about when and how the work gets
done, if you can put full faith and trust in co-workers or subordinates it
can be an effective escape valve. Trouble is, most people can't let go. If
you have the type of personality that demands to know how things are going,
chances are you're only increasing the pressure and stress on yourself by
constantly worrying if the work is getting done or not.
To lessen stress you must either learn to trust others to get the job done,
or prioritize jobs to get rid of "what must be done" first. Many people tend
to "put off" the difficult jobs they hate to do until the last possible
minute. Of course, this only makes it all the more difficult and stressful
when you finally get around to doing what you should have done earlier.
When you feel the "walls closing in on you" if possible, take a break. Many
people in trying to relax actually kick their bodies into overdrive by using
their break time to either get a nicotine or caffeine fix. Instead of
calming you down, both substances being stimulants speed up your body
processes. You may think you're relaxing, but your blood pressure and heart
are working harder.
Instead of coffee or cigarettes try a brief chat with friends, a short
leisurely walk, even just looking out the window for a few minutes. Never
take breaks, or eat lunch at your work station. The point of a break is to
get away from whatever work you're doing. You can't get your mind off your
work if you're chained to your work area.
Getting along with your co-workers and the boss can be more than a sore
point. It can be something you learn to put up with, or it can turn into a
festering wound that only gets worse with time. If you're having problems,
get them out in the open. Most managers today at least have some training in
dealing with personal problems. If you can't clear the air or have tried
using all the company procedures to resolve a grievance, and you no longer
enjoy your job, hate to go to work in the morning, or feel that the pressure
is getting to be too much, it may be time to seriously consider to go for
Counselling.
Mentoring plays a huge role here to set things Right and to get on with life
with Positive thinking.
STRESS AWAY FROM WORK
Anyone who's ever been stuck in a major traffic jam probably has seen the
darker side of many people's personalities. It seems everyone is always in a
hurry to either get, or go somewhere, and never seem to allow enough time
for the everyday problems that are bound to crop up from time to time to
solve by itself or to deal with them late with clear thinking. Give time,
time.
Banging on the steering wheel, laying on the horn, giving someone the
"STARE," or shooting a string of obscenities is only reacting to something
that has already happened. You can't make the guy in front of you go any
faster, or prevent someone from cutting you off. Accidents, road repairs,
and just plain heavy traffic happens. Learn to deal with it or don't drive.
If you must, at least change your route from time to time. Always allow
plenty of time, and try and make all trips as pleasant as possible. You may
not realize it, but how you act on your way to work, or on your way home
will have either a positive or negative impact. Accept the fact that it's
something you just have to get through so you may as well try and make the
best of it.
Most people are smart enough to know that they should set some time aside to
take it easy. If you participate in some sports activity, remember you're
doing it to relax! While many people naturally have their competitive nature
come to the surface when engaging athletics, don't lose sight of the fact
you're participating to have fun. Don't get bent out of shape if you don't
always win or otherwise play up to par. The whole point is to enjoy yourself
and forget your everyday worries. Treat it as a night out with your friends
and relax!
Families can be a source of support, an oasis away from the everyday
pressures or sometimes it's only a place to grab a few hours sleep and get
back in the rat race.If someone is constantly doing something that really
"bugs you," tell the offending person or persons and see if things can be
straightened out before things get out of control.
A man's home (a woman's too) should indeed be a place to rest and relax.
Many people find it helpful to unwind by sharing the day's events with their
loved ones. It should not develop into a daily routine, nor should you give
a detailed blow by blow recap of the day's events, but when things go wrong,
who better to talk to than your family? Holding things back, keeping it
inside yourself, almost always does more harm than good and can affect not
only your well-being but everyone else in your family as well. Talking
things over is a great way to get rid of built up stress that many people
overlook.
You should also be a good listener. Don't unload your problems and have no
time for your mate's or children's problems. They may seem trivial to you,
but they may have real problems that need solving just like yours.
A great way to get rid of stress is, every once in a while, do something
totally different and unexpected without any prior planning. Don't fall into
a trap when you must do such and such thing a certain way, or at specific
time or place. If you always put on a blue suit on Thursday, or go to an
Italian restaurant on Tuesday, break the habit every once in a while. Even
doing things you like can become stressful if you're stuck in the same old
rut week after boring week.
Stress can best be managed by realizing what you can change about your life
and knowing what you can't. Learn how to recognize the difference and you'll
enjoy life more and be in a better mental frame to COPE and be able to deal
the ups and downs that are part of everyone's life.
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