Stress Part 2

Virtually everything that happens to us has the potential to be a stressor. Some common causes of chronic stress include:

1. Time, 2. Responsibilities, 3. Personal problems, 4. Work, 5. Lack of sleep, 6. Bottled up emotions, and 7. Pressure of finances.

What makes an enormous difference is the management of these sources of stress. By management, I mean how one internalizes what happens to us. Internalization of stress is a process and the process is shaped by our attitudes. Some of these attitudes can lead to an increase in stress and include:

1. Worrying about situations we can’t control

2. Not seeing choices that are available to us to manage difficulties

3. Inability to successfully access the importance of certain outcomes

4. Unrealistic expectations

5. Being overly self-critical

6. Ignoring positive feedback from friends, partners, loved ones

7. Expecting a neat and easy solution

8. An all or nothing approach

Bearing these in mind, at PsychotherapyWorks our model of treatment includes a  number of important interventions that, once practiced and rehearsed over time, can replace stress management strategies that are not working.  Such strategies include:

1. Refuting irrational beliefs of all kinds

2. Practicing positive self talk

3. Limiting comittments so that one is not overworked

4. Learning to relax

5. Using exercise to release tension

6. Learning appropriate time management

7. Learning how not to over-magnify events.

8. Learning the value of play for everyday success and happiness

Some reminders along the way:

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff

2. When managed well, it’s all small stuff

In the final analysis, too little stress makes for a boring, frustrating and basically unproductive life. Too much stress can leave us overwhlmed, irritable, exhausted and sometimes even sick. Just enough stress helps us feel motivated, excited, creative, energized, and vital.

Stress effects everybody, young children, children, adolesecents, young adults, and adults, couples, and the elderly. At PsychotherapyWorks we have used original and well researched methods to treat stress in all these populations. Check out our web site and let us know what you think.