Contrary to popular belief, the goal of your stress management efforts should NOT be to ELIMINATE stress from your life! In the first place, that is not possible. Secondly, some degree of stress is actually desirable! Let me explain.
Academic achievement, athletic performance and work productivity are affected by anxiety (i.e. stress). "TOO MUCH" stress is associated with low productivity and poor health. "TOO LITTLE" stress is associated with low productivity and poor health. Your (lifelong) task is to find the level of stress that is "JUST RIGHT" for you.
See if this analogy helps you understand this concept of having the "just right" amount of stress in your life. If your blood pressure is either too high or else too low, you will need medical attention. Your blood pressure has to be "just right". The "right" degree of stress actually will sharpen or focus your memory and concentration. Too much anxiety or stress will cause your mind to "go blank" before or during an exam. Has that ever happened to you?
To complicate this topic of managing your stress levels just a bit, it is important to note that you need to discover what stress management techniques work best for you. Example: Some people discover that sky diving is the greatest stress buster in the world for them, while that same activity might well cause another to suffer a heart attack!
There are a variety of techniques you can and should employ to manage your stress levels. The purpose of this part of the Personal Counseling Center web site is to introduce you to the variety of stress management techniques you will need to address as you seek to enjoy life to its fullest as you travel along your chosen path.
Carefully review each of the topics in this section and continue your study of them in greater detail. It would be wise of you to practice and become expert in applying each to your daily routines. Practice, practice, practice.
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Contact us at the Personal Counseling Center (x7119) to schedule an appointment for personalized assistance or else to ask for clarification of related questions you may have.
