We all deal with stress differently and we all experience it at some point or other, but most of us instantly associate the word stress with negativity. Thinking about what it means to us can bring to mind horrible experiences in the past where we have not coped.

Stress is not the cause of problems

The stress is not the cause of your anxiety or problem. It is a side effect of pressure around you or rather too much of it. It does not have to be related to bad situations either. You may have heard the terms positive stress and negative stress. These refer to whether the stress comes from a positive source such as planning a wedding or a negative source such as an abusive boss. Regardless of whether your stress is positive or negative, it still has the same effect on you. How stress helps you

Firstly it helps to remember that you are meant to have pressure in your life. No matter what your beliefs, most people feel that they are on this Earth to achieve or do something. What that something is, varies from person to person, but the one thing common to all of us is that we cannot achieve anything without movement. Pressure in itself is merely a force. As with any force, it is something that causes motion or movement. It stimulates you and forces you to respond to it. Pressure is lifes' way of throwing you a challenge, not so you will be overcome, but so you can meet it and conquer it. Meeting and conquering your challenges brings growth. If your life is filled with too many challenges, then here are a few starter tips to help you deal with stress positively.

Eliminate unnecessary stress

Make a list of what issues are in front of you. Remove ones that are not essential to you:

Quick Chores - These are things that you can take care of immediately - make that call, pick up that jacket, wash that dish. You will feel better for it and your mind will be able to let go of that issue. Remember that to your mind, it is not one issue but a number of them. You may be surprised at how much better you will feel.

Reschedule ones that you cannot do yet. Write down when you will do them so your mind will not worry about them being put off until later. Make the rescheduling time realistic. Do not choose a time when you will be too busy to do it. Make it realistic and make sure you keep that promise to do it.

Other peoples' problems - These are not yours to deal with and although it is sweet of you to worry, this will not solve the issue for them. Your time and energy would be better spent showing them your support, and then letting it go from your mind.

Self-imposed stress - This is stress that comes from situations you could have avoided, such as agreeing to do things you do not have the time to do. If you have trouble saying no, then it is time to change that. Contact those people and explain that you offered with the best of intentions but unfortunately you no longer have the time to help. Do not be afraid of letting people down, we all have issues pop up and most people are very understanding. Those who are not do not care about your situation and do not deserve your concern so let it go.

If you have trouble meeting deadlines, then getting organised, leaving earlier etc. will eliminate these stressors from your life, leaving you free to cope with the challenges life brings.

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