One of the pictures I took
In one of my classes I asked the group what are some causes of stress. One of the participants said “life.” That just about sums it up. If we are alive, we will encounter stressful situations that can affect us in negative ways.
Here are a few of the symptoms that an excessive amount of stress can cause:
Headaches
Ulcers
Digestive problems
Tension in neck and shoulders
Insomnia
Nervous tension
Shortness of breathe
Misdirected anger
Irritability
Eating disorders
Lack of concentration
A feeling of hopelessness
We know we should not worry and have anxiety, yet it seems so hard at times. Our bodies are not made to handle undue constant pressure. We can’t take it on all by ourselves
Sometimes we are trying too hard to make things happen. Find out what is the cause of your stress. Start asking yourself some questions to take inventory of your life.
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- 1. Am I the right person for this job?
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- 2. Is this problem just temporary?
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- 3. Who can help me?
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- 4. What is the solution to this problem?
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- 5. Whom do I need to talk to?
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- 6. Am I taking care of my own health?
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- 7. Am I communicating my needs in a positive way?
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- 8. Am I utilizing my skills and abilities?
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- 9. Am I doing what I love to do?
If you find yourself in a temporary challenging situation, you should be able to handle it. For example when you start a new job, there is a certain amount of stress in the beginning. Some of the stress could include getting to know your co-workers, learning new skills, remembering new procedures, understanding new policies. The question to ask yourself is, “Can I handle this for now, and if not then what changes do I need to make?’
Here are some strategies you can start implementing into your life to deal with stress in a positive way.
Breathe deeply
Exercise
Play sports
Enjoy a hobby
Spend some time in nature
Get adequate sleep
Eat nutritious foods
Maintain a positive support system
Receive professional counseling
Deal with situations as they arise
Journal your thoughts in a safe place
Learning to deal with stress will help to keep you in the race for the long term. Remember you don’t want to be like the hare that became exhausted, but rather the turtle that went at a steady pace and won the race.