Identifying Stress (Page 1 of 2)

Controlling and dealing with stress is very important to attaining a healthy profile. To best manage stress, it's essential to first become fully aware of it by making a stress list. Different kinds of stress require different responses.

Stress List

Make a list of the main negative stresses in your life -- the things that bother you today. They can be inner conflicts, relationship problems, sexual distress, illnesses, work pressures, unanswered mail, unpaid bills, the stock market, world affairs, your health, the way you look -- anything. Now, divide the list into the following categories:

Step 1: Stress That Requires Clarification

Many work and relationship problems come from poor communication and false assumptions. Clarify these stresses on your list and plan to resolve them by listening, observing, and questioning.

Step 2: Stress That Requires Action

Identify all those situations that can be resolved or helped through action and then write down precise times in your planner to take those actions. If you know that you are handling these specific issues or will soon handle them, they won't haunt you as much.

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