Now that I've completed my research paper, it's time to incorporate it with my 'cause & effect' paper for my final term paper. It was harder than I thought trying to tie them together into one paper! =) I'm concerned if my paragraphs flow ok... can you please take a look and let me know what you think? Thanks!!
There are many factors that contribute to stress, such as family, high job expectations, relationship problems and lack of rest; it is important to first identify those stressors and then take the appropriate steps to overcome them so that stress does not lower quality of life.
Being a mother to 9-year old twins, working a full-time job, and going to school, can certainly be stressful. The daily repetitious activities such as getting my kids ready for school and trying to get myself ready is something in itself. For a reason I do not understand, my daughters want to use my bathroom to brush their teeth, comb their hair, and all of their other morning activities. Of course, they are doing this when I am in the middle of blow drying my hair or putting my makeup on. It certainly is not easy with three females in one bathroom, and each of us trying to see in the mirror or use the sink. Once I get them off to school, it is time for me to go to work. Typically, a day at the office is pretty mellow. However, there are some days where I am going non-stop the entire eight hours that I am there. The phones are ringing off the hook, someone needs a proposal that should have been sent out yesterday, or a piece of equipment is not working properly. This is when my mind is going a mile a minute.
While I am one that says I am stressed a lot, I never knew there were different kinds of stress. Stress was stress in my eyes, until looking into it in more depth. "Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress--acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress -- each with its own characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches." (The Different Kinds of Stress) Acute stress is the most common form of stress. "It comes from demands and pressures of the recent, past, and anticipated demands and pressures of the near future. Acute stress is thrilling and exciting in small doses, but too much is exhausting." (The Different Kinds of Stress) Episodic Acute Stress is the second most common type of stress. "Some people endure acute stress frequently; their lives are chaotic, out of control, and they always seem to be facing multiple stressful situations. They're always in a rush, always late, always taking on too many projects, handling too many demands." (Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects) The third and most serious type of stress is Chronic Stress. "Chronic stress is stress that wears you down day after day and year after year, with no visible escape. It grinds away at both mental and physical health, leading to breakdown and even death." (Stress: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects)
Stress tends to affect one's body and health in different ways. One should not let one's stress get so bad to where it makes them sick. "Often we aren't even aware of our stress levels. Listen to your body, so that you know when stress is affecting your health." (Stress and Your Health) In a lot of cases, side effects are a key factor in creating awareness of stress. Some of the more common side effects can consist of sleep loss, lack of concentration, headaches, tension, anger, anxiety, weight gain or loss, and even less sexual desire.
Not sure how to go from kinds of stress to how it effects different people? "Family stress can be defined as a real or imagined imbalance between the demands on the family and the family's ability to meet those demands." (From Family Stress to Family Strengths) For example, if a family is forced to put their children in daycare because both parents work, this could place the family under stress. The additional expense of childcare, the scheduling of drop-off and pick-up between the parents, and the evening chores such as cooking dinner, doing homework, and getting everything ready for the following day are types of demands, which are commonly referred to as stressors. "A stressor is a life event or transition that happens in the family. It can be either positive or negative and can cause a change in the family's coping pattern." (From Family Stress)
Job stress is something that all workers face and everyone handles it differently. "...infrequent doses of job stress pose little threat and may be effective in increasing motivation and productivity, but too much – and too prolonged – can lead to a downward spiral – both professionally and personally." (Managing Job Stress) Jobs, such as ones that are in dangerous settings, or one that deals with demanding customers, tend to be more stressful, but stress is not limited to any one particular job or industry. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), states that "job stress, now more than ever, poses a threat to the health of workers – and the health of organizations. NIOSH defines job stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Stress also occurs when the situation has high demands and the worker has little or no control over it." (Managing Job Stress)
Another type of stress that people can experience from time to time is caused by relationship problems. Problems that fall within a relationship are very common, but one often misunderstands what causes them to occur. "Much of our relationship stress comes from our conscious and unconscious efforts to change or control other people. We want others to behave in certain ways, and when we can't get them to, we become angry and resentful. The more we try to change them and fail, the more angry, frustrated, and depressed we are likely to become." (Day 10: Relationship-Destroying Patterns) As well, most people are confused about what it takes to create a happy, successful, long-term relationship.
Reducing stress is something that one has to work at, as it is not going to diminish on its own. There are quite a few techniques that can work when dealing with stress at home, and they do not take much effort. "At least once a week, listen to music or read a book unrelated to your career. If you have young children, take some time each day to give each child your undivided attention. Do something fun, as a family, at least once a week. Treat yourself to a movie, a sports event, a concert, or a meal at a nice restaurant." (Reducing Family Stress)
In the work environment, some companies offer solutions of their own. "Nearly one-half of large companies in the United States provide some type of stress management training for their workforces." (Stress...At Work) However, studies have shown that it is not possible to offer just one solution to prevent stress at work and expect it to be universal. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers three distinct steps: problem identification, intervention, and evaluation. For this process to succeed, organizations need to be adequately prepared.
In relationships, conflicts are virtually inevitable and lead to stress. "Poor communication, disagreements and misunderstandings can be a source of anger and distance, or a springboard to a stronger relationship and happier future." (Scott, How To Communicate) When dealing with confrontational situations, keep these tips in mind: stay focused, listen clearly, try to see their point of view, look for compromise, or even take a time-out.
Women are at particular risk for stress. "As women, we have many roles: spouse, mother, caregiver, friend, and/or worker. With all we have going on in our lives, it seems almost impossible to find ways to de-stress. But it's important to find those ways. Your health depends on it. During stress, women tend to care for their children and find support from their female friends. Women's bodies make chemicals that are believed to promote these responses." (Stress and Your Health) Balancing family with professional life can be tricky, and often a frustrating challenge. It is important to consider the priorities and evaluate the choices, so that one can have time to work, time to play, and time to make sure that life is as fulfilling as it can be.
By learning to recognize situations where stress is likely to occur, it is possible to take steps to avoid it. Learning to manage family demands, relationship tensions, job pressures, and the need for adequate sleep can make a huge difference in maintaining quality of life and avoiding stress-related health problems. There is no way to avoid stress completely, but by managing it successfully, stress need not have a negative impact on one's life.
Emily Flowers
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