Stress Management Information

What is stress?

To begin with, stress is real. It is not an attitude and it is not a sign of not being able to handle things. Stress is not the result of personal problems. Stress is a health problem caused, or made worse by things you have little control over - including conditions at work and losing a job.

Stress can be caused by a single event, such as narrowly missing an accident or a personal loss. It can also be caused by working on a job that makes excessive demands on you or by trying to find work when there are no jobs available. No matter what cause of stress, the effect on your body is the same.

Modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress isn’t always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is “too much” differs from person to person. Some people roll with the punches, while others crumble at the slightest obstacle or frustration. Some people even seem to thrive on the excitement and challenge of a high-stress lifestyle.

Your ability to tolerate stress depends on many factors, including the quality of your relationships, your general outlook on life, your emotional intelligence, and genetics.

Is there a way to be less affected by stress?
Actually, by practicing a regular stress management technique or two, you can eliminate some of the stress you feel right now, and make yourself more resilient in the face of stress in the future. There are several different things you can try, ranging from a morning walk to an evening journaling practice to just making more time for friends. The trick is to find something that fits with your lifestyle and personality, so it’s easier to stick with.

There are several stress management techniques available to you through this site such as:

• stretching exercises
• yoga
• meditation and relaxation
• tai chi
• positive thinking exercises

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Other Resources:

• 3 Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
• Video: How to Relieve Stress at Work
• Video: 7 Simple Stress Reducers
  
• Article: 25 Weird Breaks for Stress Relief
• Article: How Stress Affects You and What You Can Do
• Article: Managing Stress in Tough Economic Times
• Article: Reducing Workplace Stressors
• Article: Don't Let Financial Challenges Stress Your Marriage
  

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