Discover Self Help

Stress is a reaction to a perceived threat or danger. Dealing with stress is “proactive” – instead of just reacting, the person in stress takes action and eliminates the cause or reduces the reaction. Once you realize that you can effectively deal with the causes and effects of stress, you can begin to have power over the perceived danger or threat that causes stress.

The first step in dealing with stress is to decide if you are actually in danger, either physically or emotionally. Much of the stress people experience is over things that never happen. Since you cannot control the future, worrying about what MAY happen is a habit you can break without regret. As long as you plan for all the reasonable possibilities the future may bring, you have done all you can. Creating additional things to worry over is unnecessary.

The next step is to decide if a given problem is YOUR problem. Too often, people become stressed over the problems of other people. Be reasonable. Let other people worry about their own problems. Any time you accept another person’s problems as your own, you create stress that you cannot relieve. Only the other person can solve the problem.

If your stress is caused by a real threat, decide how much of a threat it actually is. Never let a threat become larger than it actually is. If you have a habit of making the things that cause you stress larger than they actually are, you can learn to break that habit. Always take the time to examine the threat carefully and measure the danger accurately.

Learn to reduce your stress overall by taking the time to experience joy, happiness and relaxation. No one needs to feel constant worry and discomfort. When you deliberately create good feelings and eliminate all stressful feelings, you make yourself stronger and more able to handle stress as it occurs. Develop a reserve of strength and well being in your life.

Finally, learn to encourage “eustress” or good stress. Challenges, competition, overcoming obstacles and reaching goals are all examples of good stress. There’s no such thing as a lack of stress, as long as you are alive. Good stress prepares you for achievement and success. Pushing yourself to reach beyond your present limits can create strength, confidence and the ability to overcome any challenges you might face. Deal with stress from a position of strength.