PSYC 212 Lifespan Development: Strategies to Reduce Your Stress

Answer:

Stress is indeed a mitigating factor, especially to the wellbeing of one’s health. After taking the Perceived Stress Scale which I scored a 36, I was able to observe that I was quite unable to deal with a number of pertinent issues. For instance, it was apparent to me that in the past one month, I felt that I was not in total control of the situations around me and it was rather difficult for me to manage the important issues in my life. I also did not deal well with the irritating hassles which popped up in my life; this apparently made me become more stressed out in the end. Sadly, I after taking the test, it came to my realization that due to stress I could not deal with all the things which I had to do. This was rather discouraging in the sense that I felt that I was powerless when faced with stress and this was a part of my life that I had to handle.

I also found out that due to stress I became considerably nervous all the time; this made me want to take significant steps in order to mitigate this vice. This is due to the fact that I was no longer confident with myself as well as with my ability to handle my personal problems. I was also not able to effectively control the constant irritations which were popping up in my life and this made me feel more powerless over my life; I did not like this at all.

After taking the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, I found out that indeed I am a stressed individual. This is simply due to the verity that I had a total score of 471. I believe that this score means that I am a very unhealthy individual and I ought to take some time and thoroughly reflect on my life. As compared to others, my scores are quite depressing. This is du to the verity that I have realized that I am chronically stressed and this is not good for my health at all. While others scored at least a 20 or 19 in their respective Perceived Stress Scale, and at least an average of 150 points on the Holes-Rahe Stress Inventory, I managed to score an average of 471 points. This particular score apparently raises the odds to at least 80% with regards to the aforementioned inventory.

With regards to my stress journal, I found out that the specific stressors which I experience the most include, work, finances, sleep, eating, and bills; these were mainly long term stressors. I realized that work in particular stresses me out mainly due to the fact that it is not easy for me to juggle my work and classes at the same time. I am however not in control of this situation because I need both my job and classes. Due to the verity that I have to attend classes and work, it is rather hectic to get enough sleep; this is also another major stressor for me because it is hard for me to concentrate with my studies and this particularly stresses me out. I also believe that my irregular eating habits are also brought about by my stress. This issue also makes me more stressed out because I usually find myself famished however I do not have usually have an appetite. I have realized that this particular vice is brought about by stress.

To a greater extent, I believe that stress is adversely affecting my health.  Nonetheless, I have identified two particular coping strategies which are potentially helpful, viz, taking a long walk in order to be able to clear my head and keeping to myself also works quite well. After I implemented the aforementioned coping strategies, I believe that I will be able to effectively deal with my stress. In the future, I will apply the two strategies and thus be able to improve my health.

After becoming fully aware of my own stress levels, I have learnt that it is imperative for me to avoid major stressors in order for me to be able to effectively cope with my stress. I have also realized that in my case, taking a long walk by myself usually helps me to change y lifestyle.