The top stressors in life are those that affect all aspects of your life. Maybe you find yourself feeling tired, overwhelmed or wondering why you don’t feel like yourself? Sometimes people don’t realize that our bodies were meant to handle certain situations in a very predictable manner. Stay up too late, you’ll feel tired the next day. Eat too much food consistently and you’ll gain weight, etc.
So, if you’re suddenly not feeling like yourself and feel that you should be, try to assess what’s going on in your life and then give yourself a break. When you’re under a great deal of stress, instead of being hard on yourself, like many of us tend to be, you need to treat yourself with extra TLC.
Don’t get down on the fact that you can’t perform at the same level you’re used, understand that you’re going through a difficult period of time. Know that you’ll transition to a better place easier and quicker if you focus on the positives (even if they are difficult to come up with) rather than the negative aspects of what has occurred.
Bottom line: there are simply, certain things in life that cause your body, mind and spirit more stress universally than other everyday situations. While there are many things that cause a great deal of stress and uniquely effect your life, below are the top general 4 stressors in life and how to get through them:
Relationships include everything from your immediate family to your co-workers and a significant other. The degree of stress you experience from each unique relationship is directly related to the scope of how each person directly impacts your life. For example, if you have a co-worker who you deal with everyday who has a difficult personality, this can produce more stress in your life than a co-worker with a difficult personality who you see only once a month.
Within this sphere, dating someone new can be an exciting new path to venture down, but it can also be quite stressful on the body. Studies have showed that there are clear “love sick” symptoms that can occur when you begin to fall for that special person. People have been known to act out depressive symptoms like crying and losing one’s appetite.
Because friends can influence your daily decisions, take care to choose them wisely and carefully. Words need to match actions. Take note of who their friends are; because you see yourself in your friends, realize they are a direct reflection of who you are and who they are.
And, if you have unfortunate relations with your immediate family, you can find family in the world around you. You can find good people everywhere you go who will love you unconditionally. As one of my dear friends consistently reminds me, people need to earn your trust. Keep your heart open, but learn from your past mistakes. Trust your instincts. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your intuition, its is sharper than you think it is.
When you’re worried about paying your bills, rent and groceries your stress level can hit the ceiling. While money isn’t everything, when you don’t have it, it has the potential to turn your world upside down. Bills, creditors, rent and a growling stomach reminds you everyday. And, as many people know, financial problems are the number one problem that faces and often destroys married couples.
Because of this, it’s crucial that your financial situation is under control and secure before you decide to get into a serious relationship with another person. Make sure you choose a partner who makes smart, practical choices with their money. If you have not already, do your best to save at least 10% of your paycheck each month. With time you’ll create a nice nest egg for security and peace of mind throughout your life.
Let’s face it, your health when it’s good and when it’s not affects every aspect of your entire life. When you feel your best you have unending energy, you can perform at your optimal levels spreading excellence at work and love and joy to your family and friends. Of course, the opposite is just as true.
Unfortunately, stress and health levels often go hand-in-hand. When you undergo higher levels of stress, your body often takes the toll. Do not let this happen to you!
I once read that Donald Trump was down billions of dollars in debt. Instead of thinking the worst, he kept his mind focused on what he needed to do; make money and get out of debt! Now, he’s a multi-billionaire and his financial woes are far behind him.
Studies have shown that our thoughts can manifest physical illness in our bodies (dis-ease = when your body is not at ease) and the exact opposite is true as well. You can make yourself well by what you think and focus on. So, in times of trial, tell yourself things like:
In other words, don’t let any negative thought even have the chance to enter your mind.
Lastly, make sure you get plenty of rest, eat high levels of fruits and vegetables, drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and give whatever you can to other people (i.e., charity, compliments, and support). Because whatever you give to others comes back to you infinitely. So maybe you’re going through challenges right now, but keep the faith and know that the momentum of your good deeds builds up and will all come rushing back to you a hundredfold in forms of blessings and abundant health.
Are you at a cross-road in your career? Do you hate going to your job each day? Whatever your unique situation, let’s face it your career can be one of the biggest stressors in life. Its a situation you spend most of your life at and if it’s filled with unprofessional, abusive co-workers it can wreak havoc on your well-being. In circumstances like these, you need to understand that you always have a choice. Instead of feeling helpless and surrendering to an unfortunate situation, you can do a number of things.
Research shows that the best time to look for a new job is when you already have a job. You show up for interviews more relaxed, with higher value and esteem to the prospective new company. If you’re unhappy in your present career, start making moves toward the right one for you now. If you need to obtain a degree, start mapping out the educational path. Even the smallest baby step toward your dreams is a step closer than not taking that step. (I once read a book called “Fire Your Boss” by Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine. It completely changed my perspective on the working world, empowering me to take control of my future.)
Keep in mind that, oftentimes it’s actually inactivity and feeling helpless that leads more to our feelings of stress than the actual situation itself. When we remind ourselves that we have control over our future and destiny, we reignite the power and hope within our hearts for something better and brighter in our future. Remember, you’re worth the world; your dreams are priceless; it’s up to you to make them all come true!