Effective Ways to Deal With Stress

Those who deal with stress in positive ways usually have:

• A sense of self-determination
• A feeling of involvement in life’s experiences
• An ability to change negatives into positives

Self-determination refers to an ability to control or adapt to the events of everyday living. Rather than seeing ourselves as helpless in trying to overcome obstacles, we can begin to define ourselves as problem-solvers. We can remember times when we have been successful in solving problems and then see ourselves in those terms.

Involvement means opening ourselves up to the world around us. It means letting friends into our lives and sharing our experiences with others when appropriate. Cultivating a social network serves us well when we are dealing with stressful situations. Talking our way through a crisis in the presence of a supportive listener, rather than holding it in alone, is one of the best ways of gaining helpful feedback, putting the situation into perspective and sensing we are not alone.

A positive approach is one of the main attributes of those who deal well with stress. Rather than seeing difficulties as situations to complain about, the more adaptive person sees them as challenges that can be met with success. Losses can be seen as opportunities for gain.

The clue to handling stress is to acquire the skills we need to feel confident in our own capacities. Empowerment is a growth process that is never ending and self-initiated.

This week's blog is dedicated to my dear friend Denise, thank you for being my supportive listener…