Help Me Study By Reducing My Stress

Stress Is Natural

Stress is felt by almost everyone (and we have a feeling those that don’t experience it are probably sitting on a deserted beach somewhere sipping on an ice-cold cocktail), so to experience stress and be impacted by stress is completely normal and understandable.

What is really relevant here is how we respond to the feeling of stress. All of us can have feelings of impatience, irritation, annoyance and anger from time to time – but the way in which we react to those stimuli defines our ability to cope with stress.

High levels of stress can really obscure our judgement and result in us behaving in ways that we would not otherwise behave. Behaviors such as anger, aggression, frustration and edginess all result from high stress levels. This change in behavior almost always impacts on the people around us – whether that is school mates, other friends or family members. However it can also impact total strangers if we are stressed enough.

When stressed behavior becomes a regular action, it quickly turns itself into a habit. That’s right – stress can become a habit. A habit that’s hard to break and a habit that has no redeeming features if left to rule our lives.

Stress-induced habits and behaviors that have a negative impact must be replaced by positive action. High achievement does not result from an inability to cope with high stress levels; it results from calm and calculated responses to stressful stimulus.

The Problem: The Voice Inside Me Puts Me Down

We all have a voice inside us that dictates our thoughts and actions. When that voice is constantly being negative, judgmental and frightened (of embracing life) it leads to an unfulfilled life and a pessimistic outlook and approach to life.

Negative self-dialogue creates a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. What this means is that the negative self-dialogue creates an outlook that “everything is negative” and “everything that happens is negative” thereby resulting in a completely miserable life experience. However, this is just a result of a negative perception – it’s not “the truth”. In other words, if someone believes their life is stressful, then it’s stressful! If they don’t believe it’s stressful then it’s not stressful! See how perception creates reality?

This perception may not seem like a big deal but it can actually be very destructive – both for the individual and for those around them. Particularly so given that those with negative outlooks tend to group together (usually because those with positive outlooks can’t stand being in the presence of those with negative outlooks) and continue to wallow in each other’s negatively skewed view of the world.

The Solution: Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk (just like negative self-talk) is an extremely powerful force if harnessed correctly. When thinking positively about life and being in a constant state of positivism about yourself and others around you, your life will become a far more enjoyable experience. Those who use positive self-talk actually create a better life for themselves because their outlook greatly impacts on the actions they take. Again, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy – but this one works for you, never against you. Amazingly, a habit of optimism and positivism can actually bring you a much brighter future.

Regardless of what your perception is telling you right now (that this is a lame idea of that it’s a great idea) the reality is that a positive attitude leads to less stress – even though the situation itself has not changed at all. Regular positive and uplifting self-dialogue such as “I will succeed”, “I will overcome this challenge”, “I will prevail” or “My life always turns out for the best” will serve you in good times and bad. By making these positive thoughts your regular and consistent reaction to any challenge, your life will be better. No doubt about it. Don’t believe me? Try it the next time you fail, or the next time you get criticized, or the next time you feel stressed out. They try it every day for a week, then every week for a month. I promise you that you will be amazed at what your new positive perception can accomplish.

By seeking to understand what is causing our stress we are much better equipped to find solutions and take action to turn things around. If you aren’t sure what is causing your stress it is unlikely you will be able to do anything effective to address it. To read the full article and find out more please follow the links below. Good luck!

Find the full article click here: Transform Your Study Habits | Reduce Stress