Articles:
Written by Maria Rafferty, MA, LPC, LMFT, owner of MTR Family Therapy, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Texas.
You Can Manage Your Stress
When you were younger you probably couldn’t wait to grow up and be an adult. You were eager for the freedom to make your own decisions and do whatever you wanted. Life would be perfect, right? Not quite. There are a lot of wonderful things about being an adult but along with the good there are also challenges. Challenges present an opportunity for personal growth. As adults, we face a number of different stressors including financial concerns, job stress, parenting challenges, ups and downs in marriage, and relationship conflicts, whether they are with family members, friends, or co-workers.
Stress affects us physically and emotionally. Some of the physical effects of stress include: |
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It can lead to emotional changes such as: |
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The impact of stressors in our lives can have a profound affect on our relationships with loved ones. Stress that is not managed appropriately can result in anger directed toward spouses and children, loss of patience, arguments, insecurity within the relationship, and loss of trust.
Each of us is responsible for the way we choose to handle our stress. Granted, some things in our lives are beyond our control but how we choose to respond to stress is up to us. One important step is to take care of yourself through exercise, healthy eating, spending time with friends, or getting involved in a hobby or recreational activity. In addition, set goals for yourself in each of the areas that are stressful to you. List the things you would like to accomplish and a time frame for them to be completed. Prioritize them in order of importance or urgency and then break those goals into smaller pieces that are measurable and attainable (such as a daily ‘To Do’ list). Be sure to write them down. It will help you to stay focused and gives a sense of accomplishment as you cross them off the list.
And finally, talk to someone. Internalizing the things that are bothering you will take its toll in the long run. Talking to a trusted friend can help. If you would prefer to talk to someone who has an unbiased perspective on your situation, consider speaking to a counselor. A counselor will provide a safe, nonjudgmental place for you to work through what is troubling you. Counseling is a step toward change. Change is possible.
