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Understanding Your Stress Levels
Trevor Dumbleton
In order to understand
stress better, it is a good idea to understand that there are different
stress levels. These levels vary in the form of stress they take and
they can often provide an indication of how to treat the stress.
Furthermore, there are tests available that can help people understand
their own, particular brand of stress and, with this knowledge, they can
also understand themselves better. Then, with this information, a
complete stress management method can be constructed. So, when you
examine your own stress, keep these stress levels in mind so that you
can come to grips with yourself and learn the proper methods for keeping
your mind balanced.
These stress levels were found and characterized by Dr. Hans Selye and
Dr. Richard Earle of the Canadian Institute of Stress. Thus, the names
and types are theirs.
Type 1 - The Speed Freak
This stress level is characterized by an incessant need to be giving
110% at all times. They are often perfectionists, they tend to speak
quickly, and they are very impatient. Generally, Speed Freaks have
learned that it is necessary to work hard in order to succeed, so they
figure that, if they are working hard all the time, they are certain to
succeed. This, of course, is not necessarily the case, since running
full-bore all the time will only lead to stress over minor issues.
Speed Freaks need to learn how to relax and they need to clarify their
goals so that they will work hard on things that really matter, while
relaxing while they are working on more mundane tasks. By doing this,
they can get up to speed when they need to put in the effort and
conserve energy the rest of the time.
Type 2 - The Worry Wart
The Worry Wart stress level is characterized by an inability to stop
thoughts, but an equal inability to put thoughts into action. They tend
to overanalyze things to the point that they paralyze themselves. Thus,
they simply end up spinning their wheels as they get nowhere. True to
the name, Worry Warts tend to spend a lot of their time worrying and
this only leaves them even more incapable of action.
Worry Warts need to think very specifically about the problems they are
facing, write down every possible thing that can go wrong, then think
about just how likely these events are. Then, once everything is treated
with a philosophical distance, the worry will decrease and the Worry
Wart can move on toward their goals.
Type 3 - The Drifter
Drifters are people who keep so many options open that they are
incapable of actually developing any skills in depth. Instead of
focusing their energies on specific life goals, they end up putting
effort into a variety of tasks so that none of them every really get
done. Thus, their hours are spent productively, but their hours rarely
produce anything concrete. In fact, they create a paradox of complete
freedom in which they are trapped by their own inability to use that
freedom effectively.
Drifters need to clarity their life goals, focus on things that make
them feel worthwhile, and try to build up a life that is open to more
than just work. Then, once they have a place to direct their efforts,
they can shed all the excess nonsense that they surround themselves
with.
Type 4 - The Loner
This stress level is recognizable by the fact that Loners are unable to
create meaningful relationships with others. This is due to the fact
that they generally work alone, so that do not receive much feedback
from others. Thus, rather than building relationships that can help
support them, they tend to crawl into a shell and keep other people
outside of it. Thus, as they avoid shared experiences with others, they
become incapable of finding out what they enjoy and who they enjoy doing
it with.
Loners should attempt to clarify their own values, then work to build
relationships with people who share those values, which in turn gives
Loners a way to move toward their goals. This will give them both a
purpose and a support structure that can help them succeed in that
purpose.
Type 5 - Basket Cases
This stress level is very dangerous, as Basket Cases are creating their
own energy crises. Instead of caring for themselves, they tend to be
achy, depressed, and they often decide that activities are simply too
much effort. They are often in poor health and their own malaise and
depression makes it hard to do anything about it.
Basket Cases need to start eating right in order to start the healing
process. Then, after a few weeks, they should start exercising. Then,
once they have a little more energy, they need to learn how to conserve
energy by taking breaks during work and not overextending themselves.
Type 6 - Cliff Walkers
Cliff Walkers are people who are at risk for destroying their health.
They tend to look worn, they often smoke, eat badly, drink too much, and
rarely exercise. However, they usually figure that nothing bad will ever
really come out of their bad habits, so they cause themselves even more
damage. Thus, they tend to have problems maintaining their energy.
The treatment for Cliff Walkers is the same as that for Basket Cases.
Eat right, then start an exercise program, then learn to conserve energy
so that they are not constantly worn out.
By understanding stress levels, people can not only learn more about
themselves, they can also learn how to succeed. Then, once a person's
particular type of stress is treated correctly, the very portions of the
personality that were once a burden can become a boon. Thus, learning
about stress levels can actually help people achieve their goals.
About the Author:
LowerYourStress.com: for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook
to help with your stress levels: www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html
Trevor Dumbleton is
the owner of
LowerYourStress.com a categorized resource
directory for everything to do with stress. Get a free ebook to help
with your stress levels: www.loweryourstress.com/stress-book.html
Copyright © 2005 Trevor Dumbleton
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