You hear it everywhere... stress is the root of all evil. It can cause a variety of illnesses and emotions, leading you down a path that is surprising to you.

Stress can have an impact on all of our life spheres. It can permeate beyond our individual emotional and physical health and into the realm of our relationships. The effects of stress can sap our zest for life, interfere with meeting new people, undermine enjoyable relationships with our friends and loved ones and even affect our sexual lives.

Positive vs. Negative Stress

Stress is not always problematic. The experience of stress is unique to each individual. What is stressful for one person may or may not be stressful for another; each of us responds to stress in entirely different ways. The perception of what is happening can determine whether a person experiences a stressful event or situation as negative. A completely stress-free life is often reported as dull or boring.

• Holidays
• A new relationship
• Getting married
• Having a baby
• Buying a new home
• Starting a new job

It is important to manage stress, though, whether it is caused by healthy changes or by dealing with new unexpected circumstances. Stress management prevents us from becoming overwhelmed, can improve our outlook on life and can fortify our bonds with others. Recognizing symptoms is important in identifying whether stress may be negatively affecting your life and meaningful relationships.

• Increased blood pressure over an extended period
• Lack of concentration
• Headaches
• Stomach problems
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Feeling that you need to be alone for extended periods of time

The above symptoms can be signs of stress that you are not paying attention to. Symptoms tell you that you might need a change of pace in your life, to learn how to relax, or even to change the way you are living. Many times the things we are tolerating in our lives can create stress that can be eliminated.

• Find creative ways to deal with stress that fit you.
  Instead of only listening to experts on stress, get to know yourself and what helps you to feel good about life. For example, some people thrive on relaxation, and it helps them to regenerate and go back into the stress with renewed energy. Others may need sports activities, working out, or some high-risk activity to minimize and deal with stress better. Art activities or writing may be an outlet for some. Design your own plan.
• Learn to Prioritize.
  Stresses and the problems that cause it are not created equal. Small problems can be dealt with more quickly and you will gain confidence in finding solutions. Then, with the added skills, you can tackle the larger stress-related problems more effectively.
• Talk to Someone.
  It is often helpful to talk with a friend or other trusted confidant. Some situations may call for working with a therapist to help manage stress that is negatively impacting your overall wellbeing and relationships.

Lessening and managing stress more effectively will free up energy for your relationships, hobbies, projects, health and overall wellbeing and joy. Consult a counselor or therapist that can guide you down the road to eliminating and managing stress in a way that will work with your life.