Stress Causes - Solve Your Problems And You'll Stop Worrying

We do things backward when we try to "reduce" stress. The way most people talk about stress is, in fact, stressful in itself. "Reducing stress" is not about how to relax. "Relaxation" is the end-result of reducing your stress. It's not HOW you reduce stress. It's the goal, not the means.

Back in 1956 when Hans Selye (a Canadian scientist) came out with THE STRESS OF LIFE, "stress" was not a household word. Oh sure, people had problems, worries, frustrations, limitations, anxieties, obstacles, and irritations -- just like now. But back then, nobody knew they had stress.

Hans Selye pointed out that stress is the process of adapting to change. He described the physiological mechanisms of stress in our bodies.

The situations in our lives which cause stress are NOT the stress itself. They're simply stressful situations -- circumstances that force us to change somehow. And stressful situations can be positive as well as negative. Falling in love is extremely stressful. So is getting a promotion and winning the lottery.

For the most part, men and women adapt to stressful situations. The “cause of stress” is a stressful situation.

Selye pointed out that stress is destructive when we're exposed to more of it than we can adapt to. That's why you begin your walking program slowly and gradually increasing the distance because you haven’t exercised since you were a kid.

Life is always going to present you with some stressful situations (or stress causes) but you reduce your stress by solving your problems. Every stressful situation in your life is a signal to either adapt to the situation and accept it – or eliminate it!

Stressed out by traffic?
Leave home earlier or start working from home.

Stressed out by your boss?
Get another job or start your own business.

Stressed out by your spouse?
Get counseling or a divorce.

Stressed out by your neighbors?
Move to a better neighborhood.

Stressed out by financial problems?
Reduce your spending. Get a second job. Start a part-time business. Pay down your credit cards. Invest.

Stressed out by health problems?
Follow doctor's orders. Change to a healthy diet. Stop smoking. Exercise.

Now, I realize these are not popular suggestions. We’d rather just zone out in front of the TV. Or eat our favorite food (which probably adds to our weight which is a stressful situation itself) or spend money on expensive entertainment. But they don't solve your problems.

Problem solving requires taking responsibility for your own life instead of blaming "stress."

Start today. What are the biggest stress causes in your life? For most people, it’s money, health or relationships.

What steps can you take now to start reducing and then eliminate the source of your problems? Do it now. Then figure out what you can do tomorrow.

Solving your problems reduces the stressful situations (stress causes) in your life, which allows you to stop worrying, relax, and feel the happiness you deserve.

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