Effective coping strategies and stress management techniques

Coping With Stress

This work intends to examine the various methods that have been posited to be effective in coping with psychological stress. Stress may occur in relation to home, family, work, social and political matters as well as economic and health-related matters in the life if the individual. There are coping skills that result in positive outcomes for the individual. As well there are coping skills will result in negative outcomes in the life of the individual experiencing stress. The work of Grohol (2005) entitled: "Coping with Stress" relates that it has been indicated in research that "people drink as a means of coping with modern life and its accompanying economic stress, job stress and marital discord." Additionally stated by Grohol is that "stress is often accompanied by an array of physical reactions. These symptoms can be characteristic of other physical or mental disorders." (2005)

TIPS for COPING WITH STRESS

The Mayo Clinic offers tips for coping with stress and states that "unusual levels of stress can negatively impact" the ability of the individual in accomplishing their goals and in the maintenance of good health. (2008) Stress is described as "the condition we experience when demands exceed our ability to cope..." (Mayo Clinic, 2008) the Mayo Clinic states that it is important to identify the triggers of stress. Because the individual is unique genetically and insofar as their personality and the experiences they have had in life, the triggers that result in the individual experiencing stress are different and unique for each individual. While one individual might become stressed in a social setting, another individual would feel no stress in the same setting. Suggestions offered by the Mayo Clinic for coping with stress include the following: (1) Keep a stress journal; (2) Make a list of all the demands on your time and energy for one week; (3) Improve your time management skills; and (4) Overcome burnout. (Mayo Clinic, 2008)One can improve their time management skills through: (1) creation of realistic expectations and deadlines for oneself; (2) throw away unimportant papers on ones' desk and prepare a master list of tasks; (3) throughout the day, scan the master list and work on tasks in order of their priority; (4) use a planner, stores addresses and phone numbers in the planner, copy tasks from the master list onto the page for the day in which they are expected to be accomplished; and (5) reserve time that is free of interruptions to accomplish specifically important or difficult projects. (Mayo Clinic, 2008) Overcoming burnout requires: (1) taking care of oneself; (2) developing friendships at work and outside of work; (3) taking time off; (4) setting of limits; (5) choosing battles wisely; (6) having an outlet such as a hobby or working out; and (7) seeking help. (Mayo Clinic, 2008)

III. STRESS PREVENTION

Primary among stress-related coping skills is that of knowing how to avoid potentially stress-producing situations and knowing how to reduce the negative reactions one experiences due to stress. Time management skills are 'key' toward stress avoidance and reduction. For instance, one can save time through task delegations and by setting aside personal time for themselves. Prioritization of tasks according to their importance and management of commitments are also 'key' components of effective stress management. Lifestyle choices also affect ones' ability to cope with stress. One should attempt to: (1) balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations; (2) have a sense of purpose in life; (3) get plenty of sleep because this is the body's way of recovering from daily stress; (4) eat a balanced and healthy diet which provides another form of defense against the impacts of stress; (5) get moderate exercise throughout the week; (6) limit alcohol consumption; and (7) don't smoke. (Stress Management Health Center, 2007)

Also important for coping with stress is the amount of social support that one receives from friends, family and the community. The work of Quick et al. (1996) entitled: Social Support, Secure Attachment, and Health" relates that it has been shown in research that social support is a determinate in the mental and physical health of the individual. Social support may be gained from: (1) family members and friends; (2) programs offered by the school or employment; (3) colleagues at work or others one interacts with in life; (4) a professional counselor; (5) members of leaders of church or religious organizations; and (5) support groups.

SUMMARY and CONCLUSION

This work in writing has offered various tips and techniques for coping with stress and has related that not only are stressors experienced by individuals different but as well individuals react and cope with stress differently. It is important that the individual identify situations and conditions under which their own personal stress is increased and that the individual devise an effective plan in assisting them in coping with and reducing stress in their life.