Identifying Stress in Your Life…Influences on Stress Levels.
The Scenario – We like organization and consistency; in fact, we rely on it. When family, friends, work and school become too much for us to handle, we stress, feel overwhelmed, and sometimes burnout.
When certain aspects of daily life lead to burnout, what is the best remedy?
According to Dr. Samuel O. Salami, the factors that most influence our likelihood for burnout are:
1. Work-Related Stress
- Persons who work with deadlines, or are responsible for the supervision of multiple people, which requires one to be emotionally available, are more likely to experience job stress than others.
2. Personality
- Individuals whose personalities tend more toward neuroticism are more likely to report experiencing greater amounts of stress than those with less neurotic tendencies.
3. Support from Social Groups
- Persons with greater social support tend to be stronger and more resilient in instances of overwhelming stress.
The Insight – Psychologists recommend social support as one of many ways to relieve stress. If you know what causes your stress, reach out for social support in your time of need. Talk about it with a confidant or a group of friends you trust. Keeping it all in is not healthy. A support network will help you better manage the effects of stress.
Do you reach out to others during stressful times?
By Sheba
Creating Positive Perspectives for Life
A Sense of Humor…To Build Resilience
The Scenario: Do you ever wonder why you can manage or handle stress better than others? Or why you can tackle an unpredictable challenge with ease?
Which of the following characteristics do you have that allow you to be emotionally resilient?
Do you have . . .
- Internal Locus of Control: The belief that your results in life are based on your own actions gives you the choice to take control and make the necessary steps to tackle any situation.
- Strong conflict resolution and problem solving skills: Your methodology may include clarifying the issue, identifying your position, actively listening, defining needs, brainstorming solutions, agreeing on the course of action, implementing the plan, then re-evaluating the options.
- Tenacity: The ability to push forward and focus on goals in the face of adversity.
- Networks of people: Surround yourself with networks of people that are inspiring and uplifting.
- Optimism: View challenges as opportunities with a positive attitude about the results.
- Sense of humor: A sense of humor about life and its setbacks is healthy. It helps reduce stress.
- Self-awareness: Know how you feel, when you feel that way and why. Then you can take action.
- Ability to know when to ask for help: The key to accomplishing any goal is to know when it’s too big to tackle by yourself.
Maybe you have all the qualities listed above. If not you can incorporate some to increase your emotional resilience.
The Insight: Being emotionally resilient stems from a clear understanding of one’s feelings.
When was the last time you managed a challenging situation? Share your insight.
By Sheba
Creating Positive Perspectives for Life
