Effective Stress Techniques to Prevent Stress

We often hear people using phrases like effective stress reducing techniques, effective stress cures, etc. In actual fact, these are all reactive or corrective actions to be taken after a stressful situation has already occurred. Is this the correct way of doing things? Maybe, if the stress situation is beyond your control. Is there other stress technique that we can all use? Of course, if the stress situations can be within our control and we employ the knowledge and experience of our family members, friends, etc, who have seen these stressful situations before. Here, we will look at a stress technique that emphasises on the need for us to identify potential stress situations and the required preventive actions to ensure that the potential stressful situations do not occur.



To lead a less stressful life requires us to identify potential stressful situations and take appropriate preventive actions. We actually do it subconsciously through our logical thinking. Like stress that can result in negative emotions e.g. fear, fright, anxiety and caused by accidents to your young child on the road and at home. We actually take preventive actions like teaching your child the correct way to cross a busy road. In your home, we ensure that the furniture do not have sharp edges and your coffee table glass top are made of the unbreakable type.
However, potential stressful situations that arise out of some major decisions or actions that we take e.g. getting married, changing job, buying a property or going into business, require some careful consideration. Recently I knew of a young man who decided to go into business. His parents were utterly stressed out and could not sleep, frightened that he might resort to some unwarranted actions. In my view, this young man did not make sufficient concerted efforts to think through of potential stressful situations like inability to finance the business as a going concern, inability to get sufficient customers to start the business, customers who would not pay etc. Had he taken appropriate preventive actions to mitigate these potential stressful situations, the business would probably turn out alright.



In identifying potential stressful situations arising from some major decisions or actions that we take e.g. getting married, changing job, buying a property or going into business etc, it is appropriate that we consider the seriousness and probability of the potential stressful situations to occur. Potential stressful situations in a marriage like divorce, incompatibility between the two partners, are worthwhile taken into careful consideration due to the adverse negative impacts on our life. Of course, if the feeling is non-threatening then it is not an issue at all. Then we do not have to consider it. In some cultures, divorce and changing partners are common but in others, it is a big NO. Just consider those potential stressful situations that will cause adverse negative impacts on our life.
Once the potential stressful situations that have adverse negative impacts on our life are identified, stress techniques are employed to prevent the potential stress situations from happening. Preventive actions should be appropriate, effective and implementable. And it is a good practice to implement the preventive actions. Otherwise, it is as good as not doing anything. As the saying goes, No Action Talk Only (NATO).