Defining Stress

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Stress: Do we Really Understand What it Means?


Stress is a fairly common term and if asked, most people can tell you what it means to them. For some it is the pressure or the everyday strain on the job. For others it's the constant worry over money. It's the worry over our children's safety. Fear of not meeting a deadline. It's the added tension over everyday hassles.  Ask a hundred people what stress means and you will get a hundred different answers.

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 

In small doses, stress can help us stay focused. It increases our energy level. The surge of adrenaline feels good. We're pumped, ready to take on the world.

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)

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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

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Stress Free for Good: 10 Scientifically Proven Life Skills for Health and Happiness

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Stress Busters 

There are many things that can be done to lower our stress levels. Like the triggers of stress, it's an individual thing. What works for one may not work for another. Here are a few of my favorites. Some of them might work for you as well.

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.

My Favorite Stress Busters 

How do you handle stress? 

Do you have a plan in place for when stress is nipping at your heels?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

I 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)

OhMe says:

Sounds good to me so I will go for your choice here.

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.

 

Soothing Bath Salts 

Take Control 

How do you relieve the stress of everyday life? 

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About the Author 

Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 4,015 lenses, favorited 445, and has created 200 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "2009 Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments". See all my lenses

Celtic Meditation Music 

Celtic Meditation Music

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 12/22/2009)Buy Now

Soothing music to help you relax.

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by ElizabethJeanAllen

I tell my students to Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future. With Squidoo I can do all three.

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