Build Your Stress Tolerance

While free-lancing for business magazines, I was assigned to write a story about a steel production company that supplied pipe to the energy industry. I was intrigued by the rigorous stress tests run on each piece of pipe. One procedure involved a "hydro test" - water was pumped inside the pipe until a pre-determined pressure was reached. The pressure was maintained for a set duration of time; weaknesses or flaws in the pipe caused leaking or bursts of water. If there were no leaks or bursts, the pipe was approved for delivery to a client.

You may be thinking, "What does steel pipe have to do with me?" More than you might realize. It's not just steel pipe that needs to be strong enough to tolerate reasonable levels of stress. Cultivating inner stress tolerance may be your most effective stress management strategy.

The Stress Equation

What causes stress? Most people blame the symptoms of stress - which may include anxiety, insomnia, depression, fatigue, on-going health problems, irritability and anger - entirely upon stressful circumstances.

Circumstances comprise only one part of the stress equation, however. The other critical factor is what I call, "internal stress tolerance."

When leaking or bursts of water occur during stress tests on steel pipe, two conditions must be present: intense water pressure, and inherent flaws or weaknesses in the pipe. The flaws are exposed under pressure.

Similarly, the symptoms of stress often reflect a combination of stressful circumstances and internal problems. Most people focus exclusively on the first part of the stress equation - their circumstances. But internal issues must also be resolved to successfully conquer the symptoms of stress.

Evaluate Your Choices

First, evaluate the first part of the equation - stressful circumstances. Are you driven to excessive busyness? If so, why? Do you feel the need to be all things to all people? Is your self-worth wrapped up in having others admire you for your performance? Have you created a busy, crisis-oriented lifestyle in order to avoid facing your problems?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", it's time to take ownership for your hectic lifestyle and make changes. Superwoman is a myth; anyone who aspires to this title will eventually pay the price with a physical or emotional breakdown.

You probably don't want to hear this, but suffering from anxiety, sickness, fatigue or any other stress symptom could be one of the best things that ever happened to you. After all, there's only one way to find out what's inside a sponge - you must squeeze it. Similarly, pressures and trials expose emotional and spiritual problems; we can no longer bury them and pretend they don't exist. That frees us to start making constructive changes.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of stress, make the most of this time to learn more about yourself and the "why" behind your choices.

Building Internal Stress Tolerance

Now that you have evaluated your lifestyle choices, it's time to work on the second part of the stress equation: internal stress tolerance.

Genuine peace, strength and joy have nothing to do with circumstances. They can never be found through money, possessions, success or even the best of relationships. Rather, they emanate from the lives of those who have mastered the art of trusting God. The Bible provides a timeless proven remedy for anxiety: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" (Ps. 91:1-2).

Those who desire God's presence above all else find refuge from the storms of life. A refuge is not an escape; it is an inner state of peace and confidence that transcends our circumstances, providing peace and protection in the midst of the most violent storms.

In practical terms, trusting God means that we daily take our concerns, fears and needs to Him. Each day, we take time to seek His wisdom, refreshing and grace.

I can think of many times when my circumstances seemed impossible, or my heart was crushed, or discouragement threatened to overwhelm me. But as I spent time in God's presence, I experienced the power of the biblical promise, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).

God's promises never fail. If we will let go of our desire to control and instead entrust our dreams, fears and hopes to our faithful heavenly Father, we will find peace. We will receive supernatural wisdom for dealing with every problem we face. Empowered by His strength, we will not be crushed by tragedy or failure, nor will we become sick or emotionally distressed every time we face a setback or trial.

Inner peace has nothing to do with the absence of stress, tragedy and pain; it has everything to do with Whom we trust, as illustrated in the following story.

An art contest was advertised. The theme of the contest was "Peace", and a prize would be awarded to the artist who most effectively depicted peace.

The day for the entries to be judged arrived, and the various paintings were displayed in a gallery. Typical scenes portrayed by the artists included ducks floating serenely on a quiet pond; palm trees blowing gently in the ocean breeze; moonlight reflecting off a tranquil mountain lake.

One painting stood out in stark contrast to the others. At first glance, it seemed anything but peaceful. A violent storm raged over the dark and dreary scene. Trees were bent by a blustering wind. Giant waves threatened to flood a riverbank.

In the midst of the chaos was an oak tree. Cradled under its branches was a nest; there, protected under the body of their mother, three baby robins slept peacefully, oblivious to the storm that raged around them. It was this painting that won the prize.

You also can know the security that enabled these baby robins to rest peacefully in the midst of a violent storm. Make God your refuge - and He will empower you to walk through any storm and remain strong, peaceful and secure. He won't always change your situation, but He will change how you respond to it.

Judy Rushfeldt is an author, speaker, and online magazine publisher (http://www.LifeToolsforWomen.com) whose passion is to help women reach their dreams. Her latest book, Making Your Dreams Your Destiny - a woman's guide to awakening your passions and fulfilling your purpose, is available in quality bookstores in Canada and in the United States. You can read more about this book and order online at: http://www.MakingYourDreams.com

---

Sometimes C.O.P.I.N.G Is All We Can Do

We strive for excellence in our lives, going at full... Read More

Stress Management and Mastery: Frustration or Fascination

"Learn how to turn frustration into fascination. You will learn... Read More

Dont Let Technology Psych You Out!

We've all experienced it-computerized technology that doesn't function properly. PCs... Read More

Instant Relaxation Anytime Anywhere

If there was a way of relaxing quickly and easily... Read More

Energy - How to Have More of It

Something the successful business person needs is - lots of... Read More

Eldercare/Caregiving Stress--Managing Holidays

Caring for a chronically ill loved one can be one... Read More

Ten Tips to Ward Off Stress at the Office

CHICAGO - According to a recent article in the September... Read More

Dialing M For Mindfulness

Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More

Strategies for Eliminating and Managing Stress

To combat modern day stressors, you need to realize that... Read More

Stress Management: How to Handle Rejection - The Power of NEXT

Raise your hand if you have ever been rejected by... Read More

Planning Stress Management

Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at... Read More

6 Ways to Release Stress

We are currently living in a capitalist society where money... Read More

Stress and Your Immune System: 10 Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate

Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today's... Read More

Managing Your Every Day Stresses And Anxieties

Looking for all of the answers in how to manage... Read More

Avoiding Stress During the Busy Holiday Shopping Season with eCardica.com

Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More

Stress & Performance: How Much is Just Right?

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYSExperts in the stress management field have... Read More

Overwhelm: Love It or Leave It!

Amazing thing, overwhelm!You don't usually see it coming. It just... Read More

Stress Management: Declare Your Freedom From...

1)Excessive worryNo, I'm not saying "don't worry, be happy."Well-used worry... Read More

Be Yourself And Zap Stress!

Ask a hundred different people how to deal with stress... Read More

5 Stepst to Stress-Guard Your Family

Part 1: Recognize the importance of family stress managementJoe and... Read More

No More Sleepless Nights (Insomnia)

Insomnia is usually the result of the modern way of... Read More

How To Put An End To Loneliness

Loneliness and separation are the real illness of our times.... Read More

Taming September: Avoiding Fall Frenzy

When September rolls around, does it generally hit you like... Read More

The Scoop on Stress and Exercise

Stress is defined as a response by your body to... Read More

It is Looking Up for Stress Relief

No this is not related to praying, this is how... Read More

Music Therapy: Can Music Really Soothe The Savage Beast?

It has long been suggested that "music soothes the savage... Read More

Is Worry Necessary?

Who hasn't experienced "worry" at one time or another? Almost... Read More

Managing Stress From Another World

Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More

How to Say No and Let Go of Stress

It was one of the first words you learned to... Read More

Stress Buster Tip: Relax From The Weekday Stack!

Everyday can be full of stress but we all deserve... Read More

Stress Can Create Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder

Stress can affect virtually any part of the body and... Read More

Stress Managment: 12 Universal Laws for Managing Anger

1. The Law of EveryoneIt is not neccessarily wrong to... Read More

Aromatherapy Candles Release Stress

Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your... Read More