Stress is
something that is more readily acknowledged in recent years than it used to be
when I was younger.I recall getting
engaged, finishing my degree, getting married, moving to the opposite end of
the country and then starting a new job all within the space of a couple of
months. When we arrived on the Wirral in Merseyside, we wondered why we were
finding it difficult to adjust and
manage the new situation. There was no thought from anyone else that this might
have been a stressful time for us, or that we might need some time to get used
to all the changes.We managed to
muddle through together and in some ways it has made us appreciate each other
more and the times we have now here in Blackpool in semi-retirement where life
is much less stressful and much more enjoyable.Thankfully now,
most people are more aware of the need to provide help and support if someone
is struggling with stress. If you are stressed, my encouragement would be to
find someone to talk to about it (we got by through talking with each other).There are talking
therapies available if you don’t have a partner or a friend you can share with.
Also,see if there is any way you can change your
situation if it is that which is causing you stress, although this may not be
possible. I was in a job for several years where someone tried to bully me and
I had to continue in it for the family’s sake for a few years.Above all, cut
yourself some slack and don’tfeel bad
if you are struggling mentally or physically with stress. Everyone will at
different times in their lives, so you are not on your own.
I conclude with a
new poem on theme:
Mindful of Stress
Consider this chart:
Unhappy at work, 15 points
Change of residence, 17 points
Change in number of arguments with partner, 33 points
Death of a relative, 50 points Need
I go
on?
See
how easily
the score
calculates
and many
of us
I know
find this
reckoning
a reason
for stress
in itself.
If no
cause to cry
is at hand,
treat yourself
to a good
sob
during a film
to release
toxins,
though not
every
tear-jerker
matches
the real thing;
proteins
in
each
drop
don’t
always
reduce
pain.
Thanks for reading, David.
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