SELECTED LIFE EVENTS THAT CAN BRING ON STRESS

Stress is an abnormal condition that disrupts the normal functions of the body or mind.

No two people are affected in exactly the same way, or to the same degree, but most people living in our highly industrialized society suffer from its effects at one or more times during their lives.

Symptoms range from mind headaches, occasional bouts of insomnia, overall restlessness, digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

SELECTED LIFE EVENTS THAT CAN BRING ON STRESS:

Death of Spouse.

Death of a close family member.

Death of a close friend.

Major personal injury, illness or pregnancy.

Sexual molestation, drug abuse.

Major change in the health or behavior of a family member.

Gaining or losing a new family member.

Sexual difficulties.

Marital separation from mate.

Marriage, marital reconciliation, divorce.

Arguments with spouse, family members, friends, co-workers.

Changes in sleeping habits or change in part of day when asleep.

Vacations, Major holidays. In-law troubles.

Financing major purchases.

Beginning or ceasing formal schooling.

Change in usual type and or amount of recreation.

Change in outside social activities, religions, etc.

Major change in eating habits, Iiving conditions, moving.

Spouse beginning or ceasing work outside the home.

Changing to a different line of work.

Major change in responsibilities at work.

Changes in working hours or conditions.

Troubles with the boss.

Being fired at work.

Starting a new job or career.

Retirement from work.

Business readjustment, changes in financial condition.

Minor violations of the law (e.g., traffic tickets, disturbing the peace, etc.)

Detention in jail or other institution.

Dealing With Work Related Stress




Examples that can cause work related stress are trying to get too much work done in too little time, cutting corners or otherwise taking chances that may put you, or someone else at risk, and trying to get along with superiors and co-workers.

Everybody has days when there simply seems there's too much work to get done. Trying to get everything done by yourself can bring on stress. Some people try and deal with the pressure by delegating certain jobs to others.

If you can unburden yourself and not worry about when and how the work gets done, if you can put full faith and trust in co-workers or subordinates it can be an effective escape valve.

Trouble is, most people can't let go. If you have the type of personality that demands to know how things are going, chances are you're only increasing the pressure and stress on yourself by constantly worrying if the work is getting done or not.

To lessen stress you must either learn to trust others to get the job done, or prioritize jobs to get rid of "what must be done" first. Many people tend to "put off" the difficult jobs they hate to do until the last possible minute.

Of course, this only makes it all the more difficult and stressful when you finally get around to doing what you should have done earlier.

When you feel the "walls closing in on you" if possible, take a break. Many people in trying to relax actually kick their bodies into overdrive by using their break time to either get a nicotine or caffeine fix.

Instead of calming you down, both substances being stimulants speed up your body processes. You may think you're relaxing, but your blood pressure and heart are working harder.

Instead of coffee or cigarettes try a brief chat with friends, a short leisurely walk, even just looking out the window for a few minutes.

Never take breaks, or eat lunch at your work station. The point of a break is to get away from whatever work you're doing. You can't get your mind off your work if you're chained to your work area.

Getting along with your co-workers and the boss can be more than a sore point. It can be something you learn to put up with, or it can turn into a festering wound that only gets worse with time. If you're having problems, get them out in the open.

Most managers today at least have some training in dealing with personal problems. If you can't clear the air or have tried using all the company procedures to resolve a grievance, and you no longer enjoy your job, hate to go to work in the morning, or feel that the pressure is getting to be too much, it may be time to seriously consider a change.