Feeling Stressed? Discover What is Behind it and How to Deal

Obviously, stress is something that is a stranger to no one, as the world is constantly changing. Stress is often triggered by any change and its effects vary from person to person. For example, moving to a different city may trigger stress and cause some to feel overwhelmed, trapped, unsure of themselves, and very nervous. However, other people seem to be able to embrace the same task with ease. So, what are some important steps to dealing with the stress in your life.

First, you should do an assessment of what is causing the stress in your life. For example, make a list of everything in your life that may be causing and producing stress in your life. From starting a new job, to living with new roomates, maybe a family member has recently passed, or you've moved to a new city. Any transition or change in the usual events can cause stress. It is also important to recognize that all stress is not bad. Sometimes stress can be helpful because it causes us to be pushed and handle situations. In fact, you could even say stress has the ability to build character, especially if we persevere through it. Once we have been through one stressful situation, we tend to be able to anticipate and approach the next situation with greater wisdom and understanding, as well as patience in what the outcome will be.

Once you have properly assessed your current stressors, it is a good idea to brainstorm with how you cope. Most people do not necessarily cope in a healthy way. For example, millions of Americans cope with stress via food. Rocky Road Ice Cream, McDonald's French Fries, Snickers, Chocolate, Pizza, and plenty of other unhealthy foods are often a source of stress relief. While these yummy solutions may provide temporary relief, there are far more healthy and less harmful ways of coping with stress. Note that it is not necessariliy bad to eat when you are stressed, in fact, that is a great coping mechanism sometimes. However, it is important to consider what you are eating. A healthy and balanced meal will most likely reduce your stress and provide much needed nutrients and vitamins which will most likely make you a little physically stronger to embrace the tough situation. High calorie foods will not necessarily provide that extra needed energy that you are subconsciously seeking.

Another way many people cope with stress seems to be alcohol or drug use. Again this method is far more harmful than helpful. It may provide some temporary relief, however, in the long run alcoholism is certainly detrimental.

Another way of dealing with stress is exercise. Many people have found that exercise not only increases their energy, but that it also reduces their stress level. It is a great way to burn off extra agression that a disgruntled co-worker may have caused. Also, the benefits of exercise are pretty endless and it is a great way to deal with added stressors.

People often deal with stress by downtime or time alone. This is another healthy way to deal with stress. It is also important to balance work and play, perhaps working for 3 hours at a time, and then rewarding yourself with a walk through the neighborhood or an exercise video, or maybe even going to a park with a friend. Time management is also an effective way to deal with stress and sticking to a fairly structured schedule will help you to be discplined and on task, while allotting for breaks when necessary.

Some other unhealthy ways of coping with stress include avoidance of the event, procrastination and overeating. While each of these methods are unhealthy and ineffective, they are often sought after when people do not know how to properly deal with stress.

Granted, some stress in life cannot be avoided. There are always unexpected bumps and bruises along the way that make us feel like life is spinning out of control.

It is also important to have a social network of people. This network can and should be found within a church. It is healthy to have people who know you, your limits, your downfalls and bad habits, who can hold you accountable and encourage you to be all that you can be.

By having people to count on, and to push you, you will find that you are much more able to meet your maximum potential.
Other suggestions for dealing with stress include being aware of your physiological and emotional reaction to stress. It is also important to work on what you CAN change and not to focus too much on the rest. For example, change your internal thoughts from "I just cannot handle this anymore" to "what is a healthy way to deal with my emotions and make the best out of this seemingly impossible situation?" Changing your thought patterns may be one of the most necessary and effective ways of dealing with stress. It is also good to utilize healthy coping schools and practice these skills even when you are not overly stressed.

For example, exercise until it forms a habit and then it won't be so difficult when the stressful situation comes up.
It is also good to be aware of the fact that stress is a normal part of life. Everyone has to deal with it at some point or another because of the fall of man. Rather than let stress bind you and limit your potential, pray, seek help, and deal with the stress in healthy ways. Remember that some stress can actually be good for you by pushing you and by persevering you may discover that you have gained strength and wisdom.