For what ever reason, people have come to this blog in response to stress. I don’t understand why. I’m not a counselor. I don’t pretend to have all the answers.
Heck, some times I wonder what any of the answers might even be.
But I do know this: there are some things in life that cause us stress. May be they don’t cause you stress, but they cause someone you know stress.
So lets look at a few things that lead to stress in life.
Money
I remember when my wife and I had not yet married. We were in a pre-marital counseling group. The leaders said that the biggest cause of fights among married couples was money.
I think they were right. Thankfully, my wife and I don’t often argue about money, but that is not to say that money hasn’t caused stress for us at times.
When we changed jobs (see below), we had a year or so where we really didn’t have much steady income. It was a stressful time.
The Stress Free You: How to Live Stress Free and Feel Great Everyday, Starting Today
Moving
This is one we know too much about.
When you change where you live, whether it is across the nation, across an ocean or across the street, you have just smacked up against a major stressor.
Moving rips up all the things that have been familiar, your habits, your patterns. That causes a great deal of stress until you adjust to your new location.
What makes this even more complicated is that families experience stress in different times and to different degrees. So while you might be doing fine with your cross country move, your child might not. Don’t be surprised if your family members stress at different times over a move.
Job Loss
Just today I heard about a friend, a well educated friend, who lost his job. The family is now facing some very significant stresses.
My wife sagely suggested to his wife that she remember just how much men define themselves by their work. Women may do that too, but what my wife told our friend’s wife was exactly right.
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Loss of a job can have a huge impact on you. If you have encountered that kind of stress (I have), don’t be surprised if you get out of sorts.
You may well yell at the kids and kick the dog, but remember that you are not alone. Unfortunately there are many who have lost their jobs. I am not suggesting that misery loves company, but I am suggesting you can take heart that people do get through the stress of job loss.
What about you? What causes you stress?
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I swear moving almost broke the bf and I up. We hired movers, but even with the mover’s help it was incredibly stressful. Thankfully we were both able to take a step back and laugh at everything, but for a little bit it was pretty touch and go.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted..Embarrassed to Drive a Used “Beater” Car? I’m Not!
Moving is not easy for sure. One possible advantage is it forces you to get rid of junk that seems to collect.
Stress is pressure you cannot control. There are hundreds of things that make me feel as though I am out of control. When those things happen I feel some level of stress. I also have ways of dealing with stress which ranges from taking action to just exercising.
krantcents recently posted..There Is Always Something!
Very well said. There many things that cause us to stress. Exercise is the best way I deal with it!
I think you hit it spot on with this list. Thankfully my wife and I are on the same list in terms of money and really do not tend to stress about it. Our stressor is our business. The key has been learning to weather the ups and downs of the industry and not start stressing because of it.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Frugal Friday: Posts That Ruled This Week, College Football is Over Edition
Stress is a funny thing. It can sneak up on you. I think you are right about learning to weather the ups and downs.
Pretty solid list here for sure. Yout hit the biggies. THe last time I moved was when I was a kid, so I don’t have that stress. But the other two, yep, check and check! Lol
TB at BlueCollarWorkman recently posted..The Blue Collar Best of 2012
It was a short list…not exhaustive at all.
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