How to Develop a Stress-Reduction Plan

While the body's physiological stress response - the fight or flight response - is virtually universal, the way that stress impacts us is as unique to each individual as the events that cause us stress in the first place. Simply put, we all respond to stressful events in our own way, and our responses to stress affect us in ways that are unique as well.

Why is that?

Past Experience:

We all carry "baggage," and that affects our current thought patterns and how we conceptualise what’s going on today. These thought patterns impact whether we see something as positive or negative, challenging, or stressful, etc.

Temperament and Personality Traits:

Some of us are simply born more reactive to stress than others. Differences in temperament can be observed in infants as young as one day old, and these traits affect how we’re affected by life—for life.

Overall Lifestyle:

Those who lead busy and stressful lives tend to have fewer reserves to help deal with stress. They also tend to encounter more triggers.

Stress Symptoms:

Some of us process stress differently, which can lead to certain coping skills being more effective or not effective at all.

Stress Response Differences:

How we respond to stress can alter the impact that stress has on us. While some people will deal with a stressful day by hitting the gym or hugging their children, other people may drink to excess or lash out at others. Additionally, some people find stress to be a minor inconvenience while others are completely overwhelmed.

Dealing with stress in a healthier way tends to create resilience, of course; ineffective coping can increase the negative effects of stress.

What accounts for the different ways people deal with stress?

Physiological Factors:

Just like some people are just born more emotionally reactive, some have more sensitive physiology and find that stress impacts their blood pressure, induces headaches, or causes other physical responses. Likewise, the way you care for your body in terms of a healthy diet, quality sleep, and regular exercise—or lack thereof—can impact your reactivity to stress.

Coping Techniques:

We all have our different ways of coping with stress, and some of these techniques are healthier and more beneficial than others. If you find yourself using alcohol, emotional eating, or responding to stress in other less-than-healthy ways, it’s time to find new ways of reducing stress. Over time, they’ll become automatic, and will replace your more unhealthy responses.

Learned Behaviour:

How we respond to the stress in our lives is shaped by our early experiences and cemented over time. Our habits play a role as well. Those with healthy habits tend to handle stress more effectively.