The Lazarus Stress and Coping Theory offer an interesting way for you to understand and approach your stress in life. Lets take a moment to understand this topic more.
The Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman Model For Stress
Developed in 1984, Lazarus stress is defined as an “imbalance between demands and resources.” What the two researchers meant by this was that every person has resources and skills available to them. When talking about stress, these skills are known as coping mechanisms. People develop coping mechanism both during early life and adulthood. A particularly stressful childhood may decrease the coping mechanism individuals have when they are adults. Either way, these coping mechanism are the resources you have when facing the demands of life. The demands of life are everything that creates stresses. From losing a loved one to dealing with taxes, the Lazarus stress and coping theory is all about the interaction between the skills we have the stresses we face.
What Are Some Coping Techniques To Come Out Of This Theory?
Theory is all fine and good, but how can I use this to improve my life? Thankfully, the Lazarus stress model suggests a number of different coping techniques you can use to improve the quality of your life.
Perceiver the Stressor As An Opportunity
One of the leading reasons why people perceive things as stressful is because we perceive them as a threat. So, to stop things from becoming stressful, take the time to think about the tasks that require your attention. Remind yourself of the benefits of these tasks, and of your ability as a person to work through them.
Work On Behavioral Coping Skills
There are a number of coping skills that are linked to behavioral activities you can do. These include things as diverse as meditation and breathing exercises to increasing the amount of exercise you do on a daily basis. Stress is a complex emotional phenomena that can be addressed from a number of different areas. Take the time to research these and try them for yourself.
Emphasize Life Outside The Stress
One reasons for stress is that individuals do not feel like they are doing what is truly necessary for them to be happy. By putting off their needs people increase their stress while at work or during difficult times. So, when you are not stressed, take the time to get to the bottom of why you feel anxious and stressed while at work. In a safe place, take the time to carefully consider what is happening, and what you can do to make the experience easier for you.