Although Stress Is Something That Is Inevitable, It Can Be Controlled

Although stress is something that is inevitable, it can be controlled. Just about everything we do creates stress, both good and bad. In the fast paced and technological world we live in, stress management is key to survival as well as sanity. I have learned about my myself and how I handle stress. When stressed, I have noticed that I will begin to write down what is bothering me, and directly focus on that issue. However, I can not just simply make a list of what is stressing me out in my head. I must physically write it down with a pen an paper. This allows me to see all the different items on the list, that way I can work on them one by one. Recently, when I am feeling stressed, I have found the need relax. For some, this may be meditation. For me, I use the R.A.I.N method. This helps calm me down and be able to work on the project that needs to get done, rather than wasting time. Stress can affect all aspects of one’s mind and body. Behaviorally, stress can cause anger, excessive crying, depression, apprehension, increased alcohol use, mood swings, and suicide. It can cause problems physically as well.

Anorexia, fatigue, trembling, loss of appetite, and headaches are just a few of the symptoms that overly stressed individuals may experience. In my experiences, stress can debilitate me. For each Sunday at church, I am needed to play the organ for the congregation. The songs I have to play are challenging and need practice to master. Each week, this is a stress for me. Instead of practicing the 3-4 songs for the upcoming Sunday each day, I say to myself, “I don’t need to practice.”, “I don’t have time.”, and “I should spend my time on other things, like homework.” I end up burying my head in the sand, and avoid it until Saturday night and/or Sunday morning. This stress stops me from being productive in any of the procrastinated study sessions. It becomes hard to breathe, and had to focus properly. I no longer become productive, and I am merely wasting my time with avoidable stress. However there are ways to fix that. I can set aside a time each day to practice those hymns, and avoid the destructive stress.

One solution to stress management that is challenging for me, and all other teenagers is decreasing the negative self-talk. For all it is a challenge. When under pressure, we turn to negative self-talk. This is a challenge to me. Another challenge for me is mindfulness practices. I struggle with meditation and many other calming exercises. It can be hard for me because I will tell myself that “I need to be actually working,” or, “I should be doing something that will actually benefit me, rather than waste my time,” etc. Everybody wants to have a stress free life, at least from negative stress (commonly referred to as ‘distress’). However, there is no going around this. Nevertheless, there are ways to change habits with stress management. For me, I could stop procrastinating. If I work on my assignments when they are assigned, and seek help, the project will go smoother. It will be able to stay calm and I will find more free time. This will not only grant me more free time, it will help me with my stress level. The outcome will be far greater than procrastinating. Stress is something that is unavoidable. However, it can be controlled, and used for our benefit. Just about everything we do creates stress. In the fast paced and technological world we live in, stress management is essential to survival and productivity.

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