In order to understand stress better, it is a good idea to understand that there are different stress levels. These levels vary in the form of stress they take and they can often provide an indication of how to treat the stress. Furthermore, there are tests available that can help people understand their own, particular brand of stress and, with this knowledge, they can also understand themselves better. Then, with this information, a complete stress management method can be constructed. So, when you examine your own stress, keep these stress levels in mind so that you can come to grips with yourself and learn the proper methods for keeping your mind balanced.
These stress levels were found and characterized by Dr. Hans Selye and Dr. Richard Earle of the Canadian Institute of Stress. Thus, the names and types are theirs.
Type 1 - The Speed Freak
This stress level is characterized by an incessant need to be giving 110% at all times. They are often perfectionists, they tend to speak quickly, and they are very impatient. Generally, Speed Freaks have learned that it is necessary to work hard in order to succeed, so they figure that, if they are working hard all the time, they are certain to succeed. This, of course, is not necessarily the case, since running full-bore all the time will only lead to stress over minor issues.
Speed Freaks need to learn how to relax and they need to clarify their goals so that they will work hard on things that really matter, while relaxing while they are working on more mundane tasks. By doing this, they can get up to speed when they need to put in the effort and conserve energy the rest of the time.
Type 2 - The Worry Wart
The Worry Wart stress level is characterized by an inability to stop thoughts, but an equal inability to put thoughts into action. They tend to overanalyze things to the point that they paralyze themselves. Thus, they simply end up spinning their wheels as they get nowhere. True to the name, Worry Warts tend to spend a lot of their time worrying and this only leaves them even more incapable of action.
Worry Warts need to think very specifically about the problems they are facing, write down every possible thing that can go wrong, then think about just how likely these events are. Then, once everything is treated with a philosophical distance, the worry will decrease and the Worry Wart can move on toward their goals.
Type 3 - The Drifter
Drifters are people who keep so many options open that they are incapable of actually developing any skills in depth. Instead of focusing their energies on specific life goals, they end up putting effort into a variety of tasks so that none of them every really get done. Thus, their hours are spent productively, but their hours rarely produce anything concrete. In fact, they create a paradox of complete freedom in which they are trapped by their own inability to use that freedom effectively.
Drifters need to clarity their life goals, focus on things that make them feel worthwhile, and try to build up a life that is open to more than just work. Then, once they have a place to direct their efforts, they can shed all the excess nonsense that they surround themselves with.
Type 4 - The Loner
This stress level is recognizable by the fact that Loners are unable to create meaningful relationships with others. This is due to the fact that they generally work alone, so that do not receive much feedback from others. Thus, rather than building relationships that can help support them, they tend to crawl into a shell and keep other people outside of it. Thus, as they avoid shared experiences with others, they become incapable of finding out what they enjoy and who they enjoy doing it with.
Loners should attempt to clarify their own values, then work to build relationships with people who share those values, which in turn gives Loners a way to move toward their goals. This will give them both a purpose and a support structure that can help them succeed in that purpose.
Type 5 - Basket Cases
This stress level is very dangerous, as Basket Cases are creating their own energy crises. Instead of caring for themselves, they tend to be achy, depressed, and they often decide that activities are simply too much effort. They are often in poor health and their own malaise and depression makes it hard to do anything about it.
Basket Cases need to start eating right in order to start the healing process. Then, after a few weeks, they should start exercising. Then, once they have a little more energy, they need to learn how to conserve energy by taking breaks during work and not overextending themselves.
Type 6 - Cliff Walkers
Cliff Walkers are people who are at risk for destroying their health. They tend to look worn, they often smoke, eat badly, drink too much, and rarely exercise. However, they usually figure that nothing bad will ever really come out of their bad habits, so they cause themselves even more damage. Thus, they tend to have problems maintaining their energy.
The treatment for Cliff Walkers is the same as that for Basket Cases. Eat right, then start an exercise program, then learn to conserve energy so that they are not constantly worn out.
By understanding stress levels, people can not only learn more about themselves, they can also learn how to succeed. Then, once a person's particular type of stress is treated correctly, the very portions of the personality that were once a burden can become a boon. Thus, learning about stress levels can actually help people achieve their goals.
Copyright 2005 Trevor Dumbleton
loweryourstress.com: for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help with your stress levels: loweryourstress.com
rental limo Atlanta .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareSelf-Care Strategies:Substantial breakfast daily Regular sleeping habits (minimum of 7... Read More
All people experience stress and anxiety in one form or... Read More
We function at our best when we are free from... Read More
At what age does the benefit of play cease? Child... Read More
I just got through reading some troubling news in the... Read More
Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More
Statistics tell us that more people have migraine headaches on... Read More
"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We... Read More
Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died... Read More
Life is so busy and as mothers we spend so... Read More
Q. I wonder if you could help me with a... Read More
1. The Law of EveryoneIt is not neccessarily wrong to... Read More
Aromatherapy is very therapeutic when it comes to healing emotional... Read More
"Smash!" It was a sunny autumn Saturday. My cousins and... Read More
Take a moment to think about the week that just... Read More
Comedian George Carlin once remarked, "Have your ever noticed? Anyone... Read More
I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety... Read More
Everyone needs successful stress management techniques. Easy to learn and... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
1. The Law of GiftsRichard Bach, author of "Illusions" says... Read More
Have you ever listened to someone, perhaps even to your... Read More
1. 5-minute rule. How many times do we say, "This... Read More
One of the dumbest things I have ever done is... Read More
Bedford Park taxi to Midway ..The right amount of stress can be good for you,... Read More
Q:We recently had someone come to our company to talk... Read More
Do you get frustrated with your spouse, your kids, your... Read More
Are you feeling stressed out? Too many things to do,... Read More
I love a good story and I know I'm not... Read More
Several studies, including one of medical students around exam time,... Read More
Worry, big or small blocks positive vibrations from entering your... Read More
Workplace stress is on the rise and it's costing corporate... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
Make stress less of an issue for you in your... Read More
One of the hardest forms of stress to avoid is... Read More
Do you worry all the time?Do the following symptoms bother... Read More
In the body, the stress response is mediated by the... Read More
Of all the forms of stress in today's world, computer... Read More
My work often deals with proactive, preventive means to Overcome... Read More
"The great lesson from the true mystics, from the Zen... Read More
The National Center for health statistics reported that in 1997,... Read More
Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More
Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met.... Read More
Stressed? Relax Right Now with 5 Super-Simple Stress-BustersStressed-out? Don't know... Read More
I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety... Read More
There may be so much you want to change in... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Stress Management |