Cancer, coronary heart disease respiratory problems all of these have one factor in common--stress. Stress-and-Relaxation.com states that high stress levels can result in the development of these conditions, among many others. Knowing the possible causes of your stress may reduce your risk of the above-mentioned conditions, creating a healthier, happier life for you.
Major Life Changes
Major life changes can affect anyone at any age and in such an adverse way that it causes stress levels to sky rocket.
For children or teens, these can include the divorce of their parents, changing schools or the death of a parent or loved one. All of these experiences are traumatic, and if not dealt with properly, can lead to stress levels that may have an adverse effect on physical and mental well being.
For adults, this can include some of the same---the ending of a relationship, the loss of a parent or sibling or loss of a long-time job. All of these situations cause uncertainty, sparking a feeling of fear. These situations can make you feel as if you have no control, and according to ChangingMinds.com, the fear you feel often leads you to imagine negative outcomes, the true source of your stress.
Financial Difficulty
Again, financial difficulty sparks feelings of fear and loss of control. It may be due to the loss of your job or the buildup of credit card debt. You may fear that you will lose your home or car, or fear that you will soon be unable to properly support your family. This is perhaps the greatest source of stress for many who suffer from it, and speaking to a debt counselor may help relieve your stress. A number of companies exist to help guide you through this difficult time in your life. The job of a debt counselor is to combine all of your bills for you into one, affordable rate each month, stopping the around-the-clock calls from debt collection companies. In the end you may find that this option alone lifts a tremendous weight from your shoulders.
Relationship Problems
When a relationship you cherish is falling apart at the seams, you typically find it consuming every thought, whether you are sleeping or awake. One option is to visit a relationship counselor. If your relationship is past this point, you can visit a counselor on your own; talk therapy is an excellent means of relieving your stress and exploring various coping mechanisms to guide you through the most difficult of moments.
Another form of stress may be having your parents move in with you due to poor health conditions. This only adds to your family obligations, making it harder for you to find time for you. While you may want to be there all the time to care for the parent who nurtured you all your life, it is important to ask for help from those around you. These can be other family members, close friends or a nursing agency. Even if this option only allows you two or three hours a week for yourself, you need to take it. Your own health may depend on it.
Your Job
Your job may be a source of stress that you feel you have no control over, but you do. For some it is a matter of getting caught up in the politics of work, such as one employee's problem with another. Stay as far away from these situations as possible and you will find that your stress levels decrease.
Another problem may be the number of hours you work, which can lead to guilt over not spending enough time at home with your children and spouse. While you need your job to support your family, it cannot consume you and you should not let it. If it is a matter of trying to impress your boss to receive the next promotion that comes up, reexamine the importance of it all.
Perhaps your problem is with your boss. If you have a negative relationship with him, think about the situation from an objective point of view. If you truly feel as though he is being unfair, speak to someone in a higher position who may be able to moderate the situation.
Finally, if you feel you have been passed over for a promotion you deserve, just remember that everything happens for a reason. There may be something better waiting around the corner for you. However, if you are truly unhappy, it may be time to take your resume and begin looking for a job with a company that will appreciate your hard work and dedication. Take control of the situation and make the changes you need to make to create your own happiness.
