what element of stress can the average person control?
- how they respond to it
- how often they encounter it
- where it comes from
- when it happens
1. How they respond to it: The average person has control over their reactions and coping mechanisms when faced with stress. They can choose to employ healthy strategies like deep breathing, exercise, or seeking support, rather than responding with anger, frustration, or unhealthy habits.
2. How often they encounter it: While certain external factors may introduce stress into one's life, individuals have some control over how frequently they expose themselves to stressful situations. They can make choices that reduce unnecessary stress, such as managing their schedule, setting boundaries, or avoiding stressful environments.
3. Where it comes from: People have some level of control over the sources of their stress. They can make choices in their personal and professional lives to minimize or avoid certain stressors, such as toxic relationships, unreasonable workloads, or overwhelming commitments.
4. When it happens: Although it may not always be possible to control the timing of stressful events, individuals can make decisions that influence when they expose themselves to stress. For example, they can plan and prepare in advance for challenging tasks, deadlines, or events, giving themselves more time to manage stress and avoid last-minute pressures.
While the average person may not have complete control over all aspects of stress, they can exert some influence by managing their response, minimizing exposure, addressing sources, and planning ahead.