Managing stress has become critical to health and well being. It’s no longer something done by trendy companies to show how much they care about their employees. It is truly something every individual must consider when managing their daily lives. If you’re pondering whether or not to take on a new project, job, child, etc. you must take into consideration the effect it will have on your overall stress level. Many people take on unsustainable stress levels for personal gain, namely financial, but also for fulfillment of ego, i.e. to show everyone how great they are. The question we have to ask ourselves on a regular basis is, ” Is it worth it? ” When we take on added stress we must consider how we will be able to offset the burden. Will the new high-paying job allow me more time to pursue things which help me to relax? If a woman decides to stop working in order to meet the needs of her growing family will she have the time to pursue some of her own interests? These are typical situations which people find themselves in, but often fail to ask themselves these questions. More money doesn’t equate to less stress if you haven’t figured out how you’re going to accommodate the added pressure of more responsibility. The stay-at-home mom is the classic example of what appears to be a lower stress lifestyle, when in fact many women become more stressed by being so involved in the lives of their entire family.
Managing stress is essential to health and longevity and is something we cannot afford NOT to do as individuals. There isn’t a single greater risk factor for mortality than increased stress. Take the time to determine what it is that helps you to relax and reduce your stress levels, while making time in your daily life to pursue these activities. Maybe your best stress reducer is doing nothing at all, when was the last time you did that?
