Most stress can be controlled. It isn't so much what has happened that raises our stress levels as it is how we choose to react to a particular stress factor.
As we journey on the various pathways in our lives there are a multitude of antecedents that affect our stress levels. Some people feel so inundated with stress it drives them into a threesome: Miss Clairol(© 2005 Clairol) , John Labatt(©) and themself. This definition of a threesome may be a fun interlude in life, but will not eradicate stress.
Responsibilities, work, study, relationships, parenting, sensory overload, lifestyle choices and early life events (i.e. child abuse) can all take their toll on us if we do not know ourselves.
Know Yourself + Change = Stress Reduction
Socrates, a renowned Greek sage used and taught as an axiom to his hearers: “know yourself.” Getting to know yourself better will enable you to deflect distress and embrace eustress. In order to do that you need to determine what is your temperament.
Ask yourself some key questions. When a stress factor affects me, do I react instantly and intensely or slowly and superficially? Do I act impulsively or do I remain calm and wait? Does the excitement from the stress factor last or does it quickly dissipate?
Another determinant in discovering our temperament is considering our reactions to stress factors. Can I forgive? Do I carry grudges and resentments? Am I restless until I seek revenge?
Choleric Temperament
The choleric person is generally impulsive and fervently excited by most influences. The reaction hits hard and the impression from the antecedent lingers. The choleric person has ambition, desire to excel, determined to succeed and aspires to be perfect. These people generally have keen intellect, strong will, are obstinate, compelling passion and often, a desire to dominate and control other people.
Sanguine Temperament
The sanguine person is quickly aroused and fervently excited, but unlike the choleric temperament, this person lets go quickly of the antecedent. Instability is a commonality with those who are sanguine. They will quickly go from tears to laughter, have erratic views, and will defend today what they vehemently opposed yesterday. They are generally optimistic people and don’t worry too much about anything. They are extroverts and love life. The lack of perseverance, taking things for granted and losing interest quickly are sanguine attributes.
Melancholic Temperament
Melancholic people are faintly excited by whatever impacts on them. Their reaction is weak however, the impression of that antecedent remains a very long time. Therefore, the longer it remains in their mind, subsequent and similar impressions permeate and ferment to the point they can not eradicate them. These people dwell in the past, are generally serious by nature, passive, love solitude and usually lack confidence.
Phlegmatic Temperament
The phlegmatic person is rarely affected by what happens in life. If they do have any reaction at all it is weak and the impression quickly fades away. These people have little interest in their surroundings, have little inclination to work (but will diligently work if little thinking is required), loves leisure activities and has no ambitions. They are generally lazy, love to eat and drink, and tend to neglect responsibility.
Make the Change
No one can change how you react to stress factors but you. No matter what temperament you are, or combination of, you can change by accepting things you can not change. This is vital to reduce stress. When the person driving in front of you cuts you off, you choose to be angry. Let the stress go (forgive) because you can not change (therefore forget) what happened.
Anger and resentments in your life supplies a well from which stress feeds; let that well run dry.
