Life Change On Line
STRESS
Life is stressful. We
face different challenges and obstacles, and sometimes the pressure is hard to
handle. When we feel overwhelmed, pushed for time or short on resources, we
experience stress. Most of the time, this is just a normal part of living, and
can give us the drive we need to get things done.
When the going gets
too tough and life's demands exceed
our ability to cope, stress becomes a threat. Stress is not the prerogative of
the high-flying corporate executive, however. The ordinary parent,
student, carer, or worker is often just as liable to suffer.
Anything that forces us to
adjust can be a stressor. This includes positive events such as getting married
or receiving a promotion. Regardless of whether an event is good or bad, if the
changes it brings strain our coping skills and adaptive resources, the end
result is stress.
Outside factors such as the
state of the world, your work or family situation, your financial situation and
even your own behaviour, perceptions, attitudes or feelings can generate extreme
stress levels .
Something that's stressful to
you may be neutral or even enjoyable to someone else. Mostly, itīs not the
reality of a situation that causes problems, itīs how you perceive it and react
to it. Morning rush hour traffic jam is it a chance to sit back, listen
to Classic FM or a reason to tear your hair out? You choose!
Stress affects the mind, body, and behaviour in many ways. The specific signs and symptoms of stress vary from person to person, but all have the potential to harm your health, emotional well-being, and relationships with others.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy coupled with counselling and stress management training
are effective in controlling and indeed removing stress
