Taking A Stand: Don’t let stress control your life
Why are people stressing all the time? Worry about this, worry about that. All some folks do is worry. They almost turn it into a sport. I firmly believe some people couldn’t be happy if they didn’t have something to worry about.
I’m all the time hearing folks talk about their ulcers and their stress headaches, wearing them like they are badges of honor. It’s all I can do to keep from getting second-hand stress from hearing about their problems. Folks tend to stew about stuff for a long time, letting it fester up inside before they pop, then they can’t shut up about it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a listener. I’m fascinated with how the mind works and what makes people tick. I should have been a psychiatrist; however, my antidote for their ills would have probably been less palatable than something uttered by Dr. Phil. Phrases like “quit your whining” and “do something about it” and “that’s just stupid” come to mind as diagnoses I would have.
Granted, it is human nature to stress and worry, and, in small doses, it’s probably good for the system. A person who never worries is either mentally ill and oblivious to the world around them or tripping on some kind of hippie drugs. It’s when worry and stress become part of your daily routine that it’s dangerous. Face it, just like smoking, stress will cut your life short and just like smoking, many know it’s bad for them but do it anyway. Stress is probably more addictive than smoking.
The problem is that stressed people beget stressed people. If you’re parents are stressers, then you’ll probably be a stresser too. Also, if you hang a lot with a stresser, chances are, just like second-hand smoke, you’re going to feel the physical ailments which come from second-hand stress. Therefore, it is your responsibility to help treat those you are with, not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of your own health and sanity.
So, Dr. Duane, what do you do for stress? Well, personally, I have very little stress even though I have the same problems most everyone does. I just chose not to let stress control me. Hey, when I was younger, I used to stress about everything. Before a ballgame I would practically be shaking, worrying I’d mess up. Standing up before a crowd, I’d worry I’d freeze. Am I going to drop dead? What was that noise I heard? Will I be able to pay the bills? Did I leave the curling iron on? All this stuff is just stress waiting to happen if you let it.
The key is not to let it. It sounds like a simplistic answer, but it’s really not. The first thing you’ve got to realize is that you’ve got a problem, you’re not the first person to have the exact same problem. Chances are, most people’s problems are shared by the majority of people. Financial concerns, kid problems, marital problems, and personal conflicts. Everyone gets them. When you realize you’re not alone in your problems and that many have dealt with and overcome the exact same problem, it’s easier to deal with.
Also, a great thing I’ve found is letting steam off on the front end. While my wife may hate it, when I get frustrated in traffic, I’ll yell and let it all out. I won’t go into road rage or anything, but instead, I’ll just make my feelings known. It’s not wrong to be angry, that’s just normal. The problem comes when you bottle up the anger, making it like a ticking time bomb. It’s got to come out one way or another, and it’s a lot easier to do it on the front end.
When people figure out that they control stress, and not visa versa, we’ll be a happier and healthier society. Plus, I won’t have to cringe when I ask “how ya’ doing” and get the long version.
(Duane Sherrill is a reporter for the Southern Standard and can be reached at 473-2191 or [email protected])