The following question and answer comes from my book Success for Life: Answers to the 77 Questions College Students Ask. If you like what you read here, you can pick up your copy AT AN ALL-NEW LOW PRICE to read all of this helpful advice.
How do I cope with stress in life? Will being stressed out all the time ever end?
Stress is, according to medical experts, a neutral thing, though obviously by the nature of the question, most humans see stress as a negative thing. I know that’s how I see it. I’m like most people that I’ll say, if I am having a rough day that “I’m stressed out.” However, by definition, stress is merely outside forces impacting you. That means that anything outside of you brings stress, so the answer is no, you won’t be without stress.
Yet, “being stressed out” is all up to you. Again, not all stress is bad. Imagine getting ready for a date—the end result is a good thing and the stress associated with the date (an “outside force impacting you”) helps you look your best, show up on time and prepare for all contingencies for the date. “Being stressed out” typically means that you no longer feel capable of making solid decisions. In other words, rather than “fight or flight,” a person simply gives up.
So, how do you control stress? You do that by exerting control. Think about what is stressing you. Perhaps it is schoolwork; so to gain control you must organize better. Work the to-do lists that we discussed with questions #5 & 11. Or maybe you have stress from too many activities stealing your time. You can gain control by learning to say no or better use of a calendar so that you are aware of all of your requirements.
Another important aspect of stress control is through good health and exercise. When we exercise, that helps reduce the stress hormones and neurochemicals associated with the “fight or flight” reaction. Those chemicals are part of the physical feeling, the queasy or irritated stomach pains that come upon us. Some studies show that exercise is an antidepressant, help for sleep issues and a way to combat general anxiety.
Another powerful method of dealing with stress is meditation. Centuries of religious traditions have shown the power of meditation. For myself, each morning, I get up to exercise with my wife. Then, after a quick shower (sometimes before), I sit alone with my God, reading the Bible to hear His word to me and I think about various things—not only praying for myself but also for my friends, my church members and my students.
You will always have stress. Make sure you get good rest, avoid over-extending yourself and take control over the things you can control. Stay calm in the face of your changing world.