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.
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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.
Copyright 2005 Trevor Dumbleton
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