Stress: Do we Really Understand What it Means?
Pop Quiz
Stress is___________
A. A weapon used to beat us down.
B. A tool we can utilize in our quest for success.
C. None of the above.
D. Both A and B.
Understanding Stress
Many of us deal with stress on a daily bases. How we choose to handle it has a major impact on our lives. It plays a roll in our successes as well as our failures. With a better understanding of what it really means, we can make better choices on how to lower its impact, or utilize it to propel us above and beyond perceived limits. Stress is actually a biological term. When a person does not respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats, real or imagined, stress it the result.
Levels of Stress
As the pressure increases, the stress reaches the point where we can no longer cope with it in a positive way. We feel stressed out, no longer capable of handling it.
If the pressure doesn't ease, the situation will spiral out of control. We feel like the world is crashing down on us. The results can be devastating.
No two people handle stress the same way. Know your limits and take action before it gets out of control.
Common Stressors
There are many things that can lead to stress. Some are temporary such as pain caused by an accident. It can be extremely stressful but if the end is in sight, it's easier to bear. Others, such as worry over providing for our families. may be a low-grade worry, but one that can haunt us for years.Pain
Death of a loved one
Conflicts
Divorce
Unemployment
Depression
Heavy drinking
Stressors are not always negative. Things we look forward to, or want to do can also add to our stress level as well.
Marriage
Changing jobs or promotions
Planning a vacation
Preparing for an addition to the family
Stress can come from any and all directions. The key is to know your limits and take steps to alleviate it before it spirals out of control.
Lower Your Stress
The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/10/2009) 
Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life
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10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension And Start Enjoying Your Life
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Transforming Stress: The Heartmath Solution For Relieving Worry, Fatigue, And Tension
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 07/10/2009)
Stress Free for Good: 10 Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness
Amazon Price: $12.56 (as of 07/10/2009)
Soothing Music Helps
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Using Music to Lower Stress
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Stress. For people constantly on the go, it's a fact of life. There is always something to do and never enough hours in the day. Some people work well under stress. They thrive on the "Life in the Pressure Cooker." For most of us, a little stress is...
Stress Busters
1. Get plenty of rest. Stress is harder to handle when we're tired.
2. Listen to soothing music.
3. Soak in the bathtub.
4. Read a good book.
5. Meditate
6. Sweat it out in the gym.
7. Organize your time. If I take a few minutes to plan my day, I can usually keep the monster from nipping at my heels.
8. If traffic is an issue, leave a few minutes earlier than planned. I HATE to be late. Its one of my triggers.
9. Delegate. Superman and Wonder Woman are not roll models to emulate. Ask for help when you need it.
10. Learn how to say NO. I know my limits and when I'm close to reaching them, I have no qualms about saying no. If it bothers you, think about how much would get done if you crash and burn.
There are several other possibilities and options. The key is to figure out what works best for you.
How do you handle stress?
Do you have a plan in place for when stress is nipping at your heels?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI have a supply of bath salts and aromatic candles, and a bottle of wine in the refrigerator.
susannaduffy says:
Hard to give an answer as I don't have bath salts etc - but I have a plan. I have a creek outside my back gate and wild creatures. A stroll down to the water's edge will calm me down (mostly)
Posted June 02, 2009
No, I just handle whatever is thrown my way.
Tipi says:
Candles and a long bath sounds right. I try to live in the now, and that sure does help. Not always easy to do though.
Posted January 07, 2009
Aromatherapy
Wash the Stress Away
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How do you relieve the stress of everyday life?
susannaduffy wrote...
Another lovely lens from you and stress-reducing in itself
Posted June 02, 2009
JaguarJulie wrote...
Yep -- looking back on the past two years of our lives, S-T-R-E-S-S has certainly been the defining quotient. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger -- my mantra.
Posted May 02, 2009
Tipi wrote...
I relieve stress by visiting this lens! :) - Seen your tweet a bit ago!
Posted April 05, 2009
dignan62 wrote...
I play on the computer, which helps as long as my computer is working well. My stress level has been going up now that Caitlyn is mobile.
Posted January 25, 2009
About the Author
Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen, aka Lizzy Jean, has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 3,690 lenses, favorited 454, and has created 169 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "The Mallard Duck". See all my lenses
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