COPING WITH STRESS; IS IT POSSIBLE?

Coping With Stress

Paul just heard that the company that he works for is being taken over by another company that has the same type of department in it that he works in. So Paul begins to worry if they down size, will he still have a job?

This affects his attitude and emotions both on the job and at home. He is edgy and easy to anger. He no longer takes time to play with his children or takes quiet time with his wife. As he can’t stay focused on his work, he starts to make many mistakes, which makes him even more nervous and worried. When the new company does take over, he does lose his job, mainly because he became over stressed.

Are there ways of coping with stress?

If you become aware or can identify the effect of stress in you life will that help you to cope with Stress?

There are many sources of stress and many ways to manage it. But the main way is you have to change your reaction and change the source of stress.

So, how do you do that?

1. You have to become aware of what is causing you stress and how you react both emotionally and physically to the stress. You shouldn’t ignore it or push it deep inside as you try to hide from it. You must exam it and find out what is distressing you. What are you telling yourself? (Everyone talks to themselves.)
   

How are you analyzing what the stress means? What lesson is there for you to learn? How does your body react? Are you nervous or physically upset? How does stress affect your body?

2. What can you change?Is it possible to avoid or eliminate your stress completely? Is there a way for you to reduce the intensity of your stress? (Maybe manage them over a period of time?) Can you take a break? (go on vacation, go visit a friend, leave the area were the stress is, etc).Is it possible for you to take the time and energy to make the necessary changes (goal setting, time management techniques, and delay gratification strategies?)
3. Your emotions determine the way you react.The main cause of stress is your perception of danger, be it a physical and/or a emotional danger, (fear, guilt, anger, hurt). Do you make things that happen to you bigger then they really are? Do you take a difficult situation and make it a disaster?Do you try to please everyone?

   Do you feel that people are critical of you?

   Do you feel you have to be right all the time?

4. What can you do to cope with stress?Try to relax by sitting in a chair, closing your eyes and take some slow deep breaths. Visualize your favorite place, or if you don’t have a special place, then picture a beautiful beach with white sand and clear green blue water. You have the beach all to yourself. You are breathing in the wonderful clean air and there is a slight breeze blowing your hair. You are calm and content enjoying the sun. Just relax in this place for awhile.This will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal and is a great way for coping with stress.
5. How to build your physical reserves. Ways to build you physical reserve are getting exercise three to four time a week. Things like walking, swimming, cycling or even jogging are good ways to both reduce your stress and keep you from getting too stressed.Be sure you get enough rest and sleep. Try to go to bed before 12 midnight as your body gets better rest before midnight.Eat well-balanced nutritious meals. Stay away from stimulants for a few hours before going to bed.

   Take breaks during the day; don’t just sit at the computer all day or at your desk.

6. Things to do to reinforce your emotional reserves…Spend time with supportive friends; maybe join a support group at your church or temple. Write down realistic goals that you would like to do, what you want to accomplish. Expect some frustrations, failures and sorrows. Put the situation in perspective, don’t dwell on the negative aspects of it or the “what ifs” or “why did I”. Be kind and gentle with yourself, be your best friend.

These are a few ways of coping with stress.