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.
Stress Level 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.
Stress Level 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.
Stress Level 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.
Stress Level 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.
Stress Level 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.
Stress Level 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.
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