What Is Major Stress

Scientists have quantified stress using a point system in the Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Scale. Using the scale, the most stressful live event is the death of a spouse at 100. Next is divorce at 73, marital separation at 65, jail sentence at 63, death of a loved family member at 63 and injury or sickness 1t 53. Interestingly, happy events like marriage can also rank high on this scale.

Most of us do not go through life measuring our stress level. However, referring to the scale can be quite instructive. For instance, after consulting the scale, you might decide to delay a major decision such as the purchase of a new home until you’ve successfully battled the stress from your divorce. Or you may decide to wait before taking a new job until you’ve dealt with the stress from your wedding. This self-awareness can enable you to reduce your stress level and to maintain your equilibrium amidst great life struggles.

You can write a list of stress causing events on a list and paste it on a place where everyone in the family can see it. Now, you’ll have a frequent reminder of life’s struggles and how every family faces the same battles. It may prove to be a consolation in times of great pain and suffering.

Another thing is to try talking about your feelings after the stressful event. Talk to your partner, parents, friends or pastor. If there’s no one to confide in, try talking to your physician to get in touch with a good therapist. It can be the first step of the healing process, and can help you deal with stress more manageably.

Why not try to put down your feelings in writing? Start a diary or journal and make a commitment to write down your worries, stresses and problems you’re facing. It’s a rejuvenating feeling and can help you solve problems too. Find ways to temporarily reduce the stress you’re facing now, it may be taking a hot bath or reorganizing your personal files. Find out more about techniques that’ll help you minimize the stresses in your life – that everything can be managed and life does not end, when you’re facing life’s stressful events.

Now that you’re aware of the stress scale, you might also consider taking a pro-active approach. For instance, if your marriage counseling doesn’t seem to be working, try to prepare yourself mentally for the day your marriage will end. Also, if your mother is in ill health, think of what you want to do for her before she passes from this life. In essence, what you are doing is engaging in disaster preparedness. While it can be troubling to think of such tragedies, it can also help you to better cope with the curve balls that life sends your way.

Lastly, try to take things slowly, don’t try to speed through life when making big choices, especially when facing a crisis. Know that many things in life do not need fast decisions. If you have time on your side, use it to thing through things carefully instead of using snap judgments. Being calm helps a lot in handling complex decisions.

Rene Lacapehas been in the stress management field for quite some time. He has done many remarkable deeds to help cure the stressed patients together with medications. He is very understanding and people like him with it.