( The Stress Clinic - Natural Stress Therapy Article - find an Anti Stress Practitioner )
Stress is a very general term, and can mean different things to different people.
It can be physical Stress, emotional Stress even spiritual Stress.
Before you can cope with any stress, you have to specify what type of stress you have a problem with. And yes, it needs to be a problem, because it needs to be defined as stress which is causing a problem.
Definition is extremely important. What is stress for one person, may just be excitement for someone else. Some people need stress, which they call positive stress, simply to get going or to get motivated, other people will be paralyzed in their daily life by just a little stress input.
It goes without saying, that the variety of stress and the responses to it will determine how you cope and react with it or to it.
Start with 2 simple questions to overcome generalisations:
What specifically is causing my stress?
... and ...
How specifically do I react to stress?
Having answered those questions, will help you to figure out if you over-react or under-react, and further more, it may give you an answer of how to avoid similar stressors again.
By example; one of the heaviest stress burden is the death of a loved one.
No one would blame you, if you react badly to such a traumatic stress event. In addition to that, you wouldn't blame yourself either. All emotions you feel now, however traumatic they may be, are there to help you overcome your loss.
For a moment reflect upon such a traumatic event, and measure your own stress against that. It may help you to see stress more objectively.
For starters, if your stress is not caused by such an traumatic event, but is more a money, job, relationship etc stress problem, you can than react more objectively.
For example; if the stress is caused by money problems, and you totally isolated that problem as the cause of your stress, than you have now the opportunity to put a long-term strategy into action to combat the problem at hand, plus make sure it will not arise again.
That type of awareness is the determinant fact why some people thrive on stress and others rather don't face the problem.
That's where 2 old sayings become meaningful;
1.) Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't know"
... and ...
2.) "Know your enemy "
... and in addition, I like another one ... which holds part of the answer how to cope with stress, it is :
"Emerge out of emergency".
Summary
1.) Define your stress by asking the right questions.
2.) Now that you know the stressor (devil), tell yourself to respond in a positive and creative way. In case you rather hide under the bed.... that would just create more stress, with other words, as faster you define your stress and find a strategy to cope with it, as better.
3.) Use the stress, to react creatively ... the energy of the stress becomes the energy to push you forward.
4.) And ... yes, it is OK to discuss the problem and possible solution, and counselling or a lifestyle coach may be helpful.
Back to emotional stress, allow time for being sad, angry and resigned ... there are no direct solutions to a traumatic emotional experience, other than proper grief, with all the emotional implications ...
Excerpt from a workshop & book - published 1993 - titled; "Do you believe in You"
www.usenature.com - Dieter Luske ©
