Week 2
From Week 1, we now know our stress symptoms. This week, we’ll become more conscious of what our stressors are — what situations trigger our stress symptoms. This is a very important step toward preventing and reducing stress in our lives.
We thank all who posted comments or directly sent lists of symptoms. It is disconcerting to read how many people have strong physical stress symptoms. But, that’s why we’re doing Stress Awareness Month, to start to get rid of them!
What are Stressors?
Again, remember, we all need and desire some stress in life. Not all stress is negative. However, when we refer to stress in this month’s postings, we’re using Encyclopedia.com’s definition as, “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.”
In this context, stressors are situations, people and events that cause strain, tension, irritation or discomfort. What stressors are for you depends, at least in part, on your perception. For one person, a morning commute may be extremely stressful, for someone else, it may be the relaxing routine before a hectic day. What appears to be a threat to one person, may be a welcomed challenge to another.
Below are some loose categories of stressors, provided as examples. As you can see, stressors can fall under several categories; there are no strict rules.
Universal Stressors
A death of a loved one, getting laid off or fired, a divorce, or legal problems are all major life event stressors and are considered universal. Thankfully they don’t occur every day. They are relatively easy to identify and can be taken for granted, i.e., “Your mother just died, so it’s normal to be stressed. Of course you feel physically lousy!” Their impact, however, should not be underestimated.
Environmental Stressors
Air or noise pollution, natural disasters, fumes, mold, unpleasant odors, poor lighting, overcrowding, rules or deadlines set by your boss, parent or partner, and workplace conditions are just a few of what could be considered external stressors.
Social or Interpersonal Stressors
These could include family, friend and other relational conflicts, work/life/school balance, deadlines, financial issues, demands on time and attention, loss of a loved one from death or end of a relationship.
Physical Stressors
Movement into adolescence or menopause, illness, accidents, substance abuse, dietary or sleeping changes, and poor nutrition are all physical stressors.
Thoughts and Beliefs
Again, how we perceive a situation or event can play a role in whether something is a stressor or not. Our thoughts and beliefs can be stressors in themselves, e.g., unrealistic expectations of ourselves or others, our perception of a situation, negative or pessimistic attitudes, self-defeating or self-critical beliefs, decision making, being a perfectionist, being competitive, worrying, obsessive thoughts.
Examples
In my case, public speaking is a huge stressor. Prior to speaking, my heart rate increases, palms get clammy and I sweat bullets. I’m told that I’m a good speaker, but following a speech, my hands shake (I can’t hold a glass of water without spilling it) and the acid in my stomach increases to the point where if I don’t take a Zantac before speaking, I’ll be doubled-over in pain in the bathroom.
In Nils’ case, having either too few or too many challenges at work are great stressors. And, some of his reactions to either extreme are similar: he doesn’t sleep well, he becomes impatient, he may develop a fear of failure, and he has should, neck and upper back tension and pain.
This week, we’ll be working at identifying as many of our own stressors as possible. We invite you to do the same.
Identify Your Stressors
We’ve put together a one page Identify Your Stressors worksheet that you can download. NOTE: it’s a Word “form” document and to fill it out in Word, you have to enable your macros. If you’re not comfortable doing so, there’s also a pdf version that you can print off. We welcome if you’d like to send us a copy of your results at: 52weeksofimpact(at)gmail.com, or comment below.
Last but not least, if you’d like to take our little WEEK 1 QUIZ, please click here. And don’t stress over it, have FUN! 
