Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at home, kids demanding for time and attention, changes in
environment, etc. AAARRRRGH. These are realities of everyday living that people in an industrialized world have to constantly contend with, if these factors are not handled properly this will lead to stress.Stress is wear and tear body experiences as people adjust to ever-changing environment. It is relative to every individual. What may be considered as stressful to one person may not be true to another. Since stress factors are part of daily life, goal is not to eliminate stress but to find optimal level where stress factors motivate individual in continuing his/her life and not be overwhelmed. This is called stress management.
Life without these stress factors may lead to boredom, dejection and depression. On other hand, excess of which may make one feel tied up in knots. So, how do we know that we are attaining optimal stress level?
A clear indication that stress management has not been practiced or optimal stress level has not been attained is presence of related illness. Most sickness is due to unrelieved stress such as hypertension, dizziness, hyperacidity, etc. This indicates that stress must be reduced in daily living.
So, how does one really manage stress? Two things may be done. It may be done by either changing source of stress or changing one’s reactions to it. As cliché goes, it’s either we shape out or we shape up. In doing former, it’s like totally quitting status quo. It’s like giving up totally so that stress factor that is present in life is totally eliminated. Some see this as chickening out or being yellow. However, this is also relative for individual because if stress factor already affects every aspect of life of individual, getting out of situation completely may be best option. This may also be considered a brave move. The second option takes a lot of courage and maturity. Being able to identify and practice appropriate reactions to stressful situations takes a lot of courage and wisdom. However, with determination and persistence, this can be achieved.
