Managing Stress
We experience stress when demands are placed on us. The demands may be physical, cognitive, emotional or social. They can also relate to positive events. Beginning a new job, moving to your own apartment, arranging for your first Orientation and Mobility lesson or having a baby can all be exciting experiences, yet each comes with its own demands.
Experiencing a loss of vision, however, or learning that your volunteer is moving and will no longer be able to help you, or experiencing the break-up of a relationship are events we recognize more easily as stressors.
Richard Lazarus describes stress as “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to set into motion.” In other words, stress is what we feel when we think we’ve lost control of events.
Some situations in life are stress provoking, but it’s our thoughts about these events that determine whether or not they are problems for us. We’ve all met people who seem to move through life in a perpetually happy mood. Despite experiencing significant stresses, these people have successful coping strategies or techniques for managing stress. All of us can learn these techniques.
When there’s a lot going on in your life, it’s important to take time for yourself and identify what you need to do to reduce the stress. This is easier if you already participate in activities that help you keep your stress levels low. These activities can act as a preventative measure for your mind and body and can be called upon as life events throw unexpected stressors your way.
Identify the causes of your stress—“Know yourself”
When you know what stresses you, you are in a better position to foresee these situations and draw on coping strategies.
What stresses you?
- meeting new people?
- running late for appointments?
- debt?
- family?
- your job…or looking for work?
- illness?
- school?
Stress Busters
There are a variety of ways to relieve stress. Not everything works for everyone. Try some of the following suggestions or use them to inspire your own ideas.
Relaxation methods for clearing your mind
- scents—perhaps fresh baked bread, perfume, potpourri
- listen to music you find relaxing
- breathing techniques
- gain control of your breathing
- sit or lie down and listen to your breathing
- reduce information overload—don’t believe everything you hear or read
- sit or lie down and think positive, relaxing thoughts
- visualize yourself in a tranquil, quiet, happy place
- try to suppress negative thoughts
- yoga
- meditation
- laugh
- cry
- repeat a helpful word or quote
- counselors
- use your imagination
Task-oriented distractions and activities
- get a pet
- take a nap
- read or listen to a book
- get away from noise and confusion
- don’t listen to the news and all its problems
- filter information and discard worrisome things
- get a massage
- exercise—walk, swim, etc.
- learn something new
- go back to school
- express yourself—write or record your thoughts and feelings in a journal
- enjoy a friendship
- enjoy a hobby
- take an anger management class
Set realistic goals
- Start small—one goal at a time
- Set a time limit to complete the goal
- Reward yourself for achieving the goal
Try to remember
- See problems as opportunities
- Don’t take things personally
- There is no right answer
- It is not a perfect world
- Let things go
- This too shall pass
- Avoid over-generalizing
- You have control over yourself, not others
- BE YOURSELF
For more information on managing stress, visit the following resources:
Stress Management
bchealthguide.org
Learn how stress affects you physically, what you can do to reduce stressors, and how to relieve stress. You’ll also find a handy online tool for determining your stress level.
Managing Stress (1)
This resource tells you why you need stress in your life—yes, stress can be positive too! You’ll also find signs, signals and sources of stress, a list of “Tips for Stress Management,” and a “Student Stress Checklist.” You don’t have to be a student to experience a lot of the stressors on the checklist. However, if you’re a student who is blind or vision impaired, you’ll likely be able to add even more.
Managing Stress (2)
This resource is on the site of The American Association of Retired People. The site offers a variety of information—most of it helpful to people of all ages. Discover ideas for handling your stress and how a healthy body, physical activity, and time management can help you reduce stress. Also learn about caregiver stress and where you can get help if your stress becomes overwhelming.