Stress is one of the silent killers of life. It destroys our body, our mind, our relationships, our happiness, our achievements and pretty much anything you can think of.
At present, I could name you at least 10 people I know personally that are suffering from stress.
What’s amazing about stress is that the causes are just as limitless as the effects.
I’m sure it would come as no surprise to most of you to hear that work is a leading cause of stress.
So much so that more people die of a heart attack between 8 and 9 on Monday morning than any other time during the week. It sounds ridiculous but when you think about it, it makes total sense.
It’s just after the weekend and people are dreading the start of their work week.
Two close friends are overwhelmed at work. They are frustrated with the manner in which things get done at the office and end up having to take care of all sorts of messes dumped in their lap.
Another friend who runs his own business has been suffering from the stress of making sure his business stays afloat.
So much so that his stress has forced him seek the help of doctors to deal with his panic attacks.
I know more than a few people who are stressed out because of money.
Then there are those whose relationships with their significant others are causing them incredible levels of stress.
While I may not be an expert when it comes to stress it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the three most common reasons people feel stress are
- Money
- Work
- Relationships
So if we know what the main causes are the question becomes what do we do about them.
Some people would like to eliminate stress from their lives. I hate to say it, but that isn’t going to happen.
Stress is a part of our lives.
I feel it sometimes when I lose something. I feel stress when I break my promise.
I sometimes even feel stress even writing this blog.
Stress isn’t going anywhere. In fact, stress does have its usefulness.
It is a warning.
It is telling you to change.
The key is limiting its debilitating effects on us.
Hence, we must understand just what the causes are.
It we are feeling stress because of our relationships, maybe we need more time alone. Maybe less with with one person. Maybe even saying goodbye to someone.
Money. Better money habits. Less spending. Careful planning.
Work. Maybe it’s time to move on.
But easier said than done so what else can we do? Massages, exercise, nature walks, doing more of what you love, talking to good friends, talking to strangers (sometimes we just need to get it off our chest and don’t want to be judged) and reading (with knowledge we can combat stress).
And above all, we should remember just how lucky we all are. Reading this you are blessed to have
- Money
- Food
- Shelter
- Clothing
- Technology
- Medicine
- Life
These are what we take for granted when so many people in the world would consider them to be luxuries.
In the end, only you know what will work best for you.
Stress will always be a part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to take over our lives.
Learning to manage our stress will allow us to sleep better, live longer and enjoy life even more.
What techniques work for you?
Adrian Shepherd