Q: "My career, though very very stressful, is one that I thoroughly enjoy and do not want to change. Because I'm under so much stress, my counselor has recommended that I eliminate all stress from my life. This doesn't seem to make sense to me, especially since I like what I do so much. Should I quit my job, or is there something else I can do?"
I think your counselor is wrong. I'm sure they mean well, they just don't understand some key distinctions about stress.
The reason for that rather bold statement is that unless you are in imminent danger of a heart attack, stroke or some other equally severe catastrophe, there is no reason to eliminate all the stress from your life. The only people I know who are completely stress free can be found a few blocks down the street from my office - in the cemetery!
Not only is it not really possible to eliminate all the stress from your life, it's not very healthy as well.
What!?! are you saying stress can be healthy?!
Well, in a word, yes.
Before you think I'm completely nuts, consider what some scientists have found. Who knows where they get these ideas, but apparently some researchers found a way for a butterfly to get out of a cocoon without having to struggle. Here's the interesting part for our approach to stress. As they further studied the butterflies, they found that the ones that did not have to struggle out of their cocoons were not as healthy, not as brightly colored, and did not live as long as the butterflies that had to go through some struggles.
The meaning for us is clear: the right amount of struggle and stress can be a good thing.
When it comes to successfully dealing with stress and struggle, you can have only one of two results: a breakdown or a breakthrough. Let's take a closer look at each of these two options.
How to Have a Breakdown
Obsess on the stress in your life. Think about nothing else.
Even though you are the only invited guest, have a continuing "pity party."
Talk constantly about the stress you feel, especially to those that agree completely with you.
Get little or no exercise. After all, with all this stress, you just don't have time.
Ask lousy questions, such as "Why does this always happen to me?", "Why don't other people have as much stress as me?", etc. etc.
Take a "dead roach approach." You know, flat on your back, just letting the stress happen to you.
Follow these directions: Say to yourself "I have to do this, I have to do this, I have to do this." Rinse. Repeat.
Cut down on your sleep and rest. Remember, you just don't have time.
Focus on everything that is wrong in your life.
Put off all enjoyment until the stress has passed. Remember, you don't have time.
Pray that life gets easier.
Isolate yourself. Believe you have to do it all your self.
Carry the burden alone.
Believe you have absolutely no choice in the matter.
How to Have a Breakthrough
Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.
limousine chicago serviceWhenever we think of 'stress', negative thoughts come into our... Read More
"Learn how to turn frustration into fascination. You will learn... Read More
Preparing for sleep the night before is the place to... Read More
Loneliness and separation are the real illness of our times.... Read More
Is your stress level higher than it should be? Are... Read More
Learning methods of stress elimination is a vital skill in... Read More
One of the ways I have avoided a lot of... Read More
Stress is amazingly persistent, even seductive. We get used to... Read More
There are times in every person's life when things do... Read More
It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More
Over the years I've collected scores of comics and cartoons... Read More
STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT: Stress is either the source or... Read More
"Watch your language."We all heard this admonition as kids and... Read More
Do you often overreact to situations? Are you a constant... Read More
Marshal John Kruger acted by Arnold Schwarzenegger (who else) in... Read More
Meditation, relaxation and visualisation are the standard recommendations for reducing... Read More
Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More
In a hectic world, it's all too easy to reach... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
When Army leaders fail to control battlefield stress, they lose... Read More
We all have it; we live with it daily: stress.... Read More
Often, in today's fast paced world, we forget to take... Read More
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate... Read More
10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More
Governements and businesses have regularly highlighted the costs of stress... Read More
led manufacturers usa led area floodlight Pete's produce ..I just got through reading some troubling news in the... Read More
"When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe,... Read More
10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More
The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997,... Read More
"Do you want to be a lump of coal or... Read More
June is the month of the honey moon. Custom holds... Read More
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour... Read More
Marshal John Kruger acted by Arnold Schwarzenegger (who else) in... Read More
Today's workplace produces plenty of stress. Life's little hassles mount... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
If you find symptoms of anxiety disorder in any of... Read More
Where does stress really come from? Is there any simple... Read More
The fast pace of life is taking toll on every... Read More
Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More
Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More
When something happens in our lives, we automatically assess the... Read More
It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More
Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
Stress is an interpretation of an event or circumstance which... Read More
Stress management is a hot topic; stress-related illness and suffering... Read More
You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More
Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More
Statistics show that all of us experience stress at one... Read More
Positive self-esteem is very important for our general health and... Read More
Stress Management Stress Management |