Stress is highly personal and something that can be attributed to one or more factors. It's these factors that can bring about stress in varying speeds, environments and locations. The following six catalysts are considered to be the most common, and can be attributed to the main causes of stress.
These are:
1.Work / career - the working environment is more than just a place where you go to earn a living, and an area that is usually taken for granted when considering the management of stress. Work-hard-and-play-hard is a phrase that is still banded around today, but with hard work should come satisfaction and enjoyment. If you are struggling to get up in the morning, experience natural motivation at least once a day then now could be good time to rethink your chosen career path.
2.Relationships / friendships - keep-your-friends-close-but-your-enemy's-closer. This isn't a particularly great saying and generally something that many people live up to. As we evolve over time, our choice in friendships should also evolve; however it's natural to find comfort in knowing the old and thus we can be fearful of anything new. If you find that meeting certain old friends brings about anxiety, stress or tension - then think about reaching out and find some new friends.
3.Finances - stress via finances, this is something that most people will experience at least once in their life and doesn't reflect on the amount you have - with both excess and lack-of comes pressure; in turn causing stress. If you lay awake at night thinking about your financial situation, then take massive action avoid self-pride and get guidance. There are many choices and options available, stop thinking you're alone simply accept that you could benefit from help.
4.Illness / poor health - stress via poor health is one of the aspects that you can change almost immediately. If your diet lacks the correct nutritional content and you're feeling lethargic, pressure and stress then now couldn't be a better time to change your diet for the better. Start implementing simple changes by removing saturated fats and bleached sugars from your diet, these small changes will offer an increase in energy and kick start your mindful thoughts into a healthier eating pattern.
5.Environment / Geographic's - where you live and where you regularly visit have a massive influencing factor over how you cope with stress. It's my belief that you become like those you mix with the most, meaning that the more you mix and associate yourself with stressful people and environments the more you will uncontrollably absorb that energy. Over the coming weeks consciously be aware about where you feel the most stressful and where possible remove yourself from that environment.
6.Weather / daylight - it's likely with those suffering stress spend the majority of their day restricted by the amount of naturally occurring light. Connecting with nature can be a fantastic stress-relieving tool. Take time out and spend at least 30 minutes per day outside, use this time to breathe and digest this time alone.
Having considered these catalysts, it's important to note that the stress state is simply the interpretation of that "catalyst" and ultimately the choice to change is YOURS. More helpful tips can be found in my latest book How To Stress Less.
Benjamin Bonetti offers one-to-one coaching and hypnotherapy sessions from his London Hypnotherapy Clinic, for more information click here....
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