Some things that happen in your life can be stressful, particularly life changes. If you have had one or more of the following life events occurring over the last year you will probably be more likely to be affected by stress symptoms and you should try to avoid further stressors and take care of yourself.
- Death of partner
- Divorce or relationship breakdown
- Jail term
- Death of close family member
- Getting married
- Loss of employment
- Pregnancy
- New employment
- Health problems
- Pregnancy
- High financial commitments
- Serious debts
- Major changes at work
- Partner stops or begins work
- Death of close friend
- Change in living conditions
- Disagreement with friends
- Problems at work
- Change in leisure activities
- Change in church/spiritual habits
- Minor legal problems
- Problems with neighbours/noise
- Family gatherings for holidays/Christmas etc
Who is more likely to experience stress?
Studies have shown that people who are known as “type A personalities” are likely to be more liable, they are more competitive and impatient and have tight time schedules compared to “type B personalities” who are more relaxed and “laid back”.
Type A
Must get things finished
You are never late for appointments
You are competitive
Can’t listen to conversations, you interrupt and finish sentences for others
Always in a hurry
Don’t like to wait
Very busy at full speed
Try to do more than one thing at a time
Want everything perfect
Pressurised speech
Do everything fast
Hold in feelings
Not satisfied with work/life
Few social activities/interests
If working will take work home
Type B
Don’t mind leaving things unfinished for a while
You are calm and unhurried about appointments
You are not competitive
Can listen and let the other person finish speaking
Never in a hurry even when busy
Can wait calmly
Easy going
Take one thing at a time
Don’t mind things not quite perfect
Slow and deliberate speech
Do things slowly
Express feelings
Quite satisfied with work/life
Many social activities/interests
If in employment limit time at work and keep to working hours.
If you identify with type A personality you need to try really hard to be aware of your lifestyle, your personality type and use stress management techniques to address your natural tendency to stress.
Stress management
Take control of the causes and effects of stress. Practical ways could be:
- Plan at least one holiday each year, changing routine, activities and surroundings
- Learn to communicate your feelings – don’t bottle up issues that worry you
- Look at your employment/work situation – could you make changes?
- Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future, try to concentrate on the present
- Admit to yourself you are stressed
- Don’t take too much on, be realistic about what you can achieve
- Eat a balanced diet, eat slowly, sit down to meals and don’t skip meals or leave it too long between meals, it is better to graze than have huge meals.
- Write down the problems, issues in your life that are causing you stress and try to identify solutions
- Manage your time, don’t make too many changes at once in your life
- Prioritize
- Talk things through with a trusted friend or family member or a therapist
- Ensure you have enough relaxation and leisure time each day. Try various ways of relaxing, yoga, meditation, massage etc.
- Try to exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week. Walking is free and very good!
- Be able to say no, don’t feel guilty
- There are many ways to relax, if you have the internet you could look up relaxation techniques. If not your GP surgery and library will have leaflets and books to read.
- If debt is the cause of your stress there are organisations, such as The National Debt Line who can offer help – 0645 600511 or Citizens Advice Bureau
- See your GP if you find you cannot manage your symptoms, talk to a counsellor