Can't Stress How Stressed We All Are?

"Stress" is such an easy word to articulate these days. It seems to roll out of our mouths ever so often, that sometimes I wonder if the word is a mark of verbal fashion and not a genuine revelation of our condition. What do we mean when we say we are stressed? Is being stressed really all that bad?
Quoting http://www.stress.org,
"As Hans Selye (who coined the term as it is currently used) noted, 'Without stress, there would be no life'. However, just as distress can cause disease, it seems plausible that there are good stresses that promote wellness. Stress is not always necessarily harmful. Winning a race or election can be just stressful as losing, or more so, but may trigger very different biological responses. Increased stress results in increased productivity -- up to a point. However, this level differs for each of us. It's very much like the stress on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull, raspy sound. Too much tension makes a shrill, annoying noise or snaps the string. However, just the right degree can create a magnificent tone. Similarly, we all need to find the proper level of stress that allows us to perform optimally and make melodious music as we go through life."
So, how do we find that "proper level of stress"? Is it that easy or even possible? To me, it is important for us to be able to manage the stress we face daily. There are many things beyond our control. We all have to work (or for you, study), take examinations and face life's setbacks from time to time. What is within our control, however, is our perception of the situation and from there, our management of the situation we are in.
Having heard many of you mentioning how stressed you are, I thought perhaps it is a good time for us to come up with our own "Top-Five List Of Stress Management".
Here's mine:
1) Re-look the situation. Is it really as what I perceive it to be? What could be other perspectives of it that I might not have considered.
2) Breathe! I realize that being anxious about every situation will not make the situation any better. Take a deep breath, calm down and prepare to deal with the situation without being too emotional about it.3) Forge good friendships and relationships. Having people I can trust around me certainly helps. Upon listening to me, they may offer advice and alternative perspectives that I can work with. There are times when all I need is a listening ear. Talking about the situation makes me think through it again. It may not be as bad as I initially perceived.4) Make time. Making time to do the activities I enjoy reminds me that there is much more to life. These activities can be anything that helps boost my energy level at that point of time. I would read, spend time with my family and friends, do some community work, or even some cleaning!5) Laugh. See the lighter side of the situation. I even have a theme song that plays in my head! It boosts my energy level to face the situation.
Each one of us should have our very own way of managing stress. Such lists are of course by no means strict rules. We use them in appropriate contexts. For one, I will take offence if you laugh when being questioned about your incomplete work!
I had fun creating mine. Hope you would enjoy yourselves when you create your lists! We might be able to get some tips from one another. :)

posted by CH GEPers 2006 @ 9:19 AM

I too have a list to relieve stress.
Here is my list.
1) Think of happy things

2) Do your hobby

3) Look at the scenery

4) Confide to your friends

5) Get a cold drink