Many different situations can cause stress. A high workload is a fairly well-known example, but illness or death of a loved one can also cause a lot of stress. However, not everyone is equally sensitive to stress. This has to do with the balance between the carrying capacity you have and the burden you have to endure. If you have a high carrying capacity, you can handle more or greater stressful situations than someone who has a low carrying capacity.
Characteristics that make you more vulnerable to stress include:
CAUSES OF STRESS IN DAILY LIFE
- The death of a loved one
- Divorce
- Becoming unemployed
- Increase in financial obligations
- To marry
- To move house
- Chronic illness or injury
- Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, guilt, low self-esteem)
- Caring for an elderly or sick family member
- Traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, theft, rape, or violence against you or a loved one.
STRESS FROM YOURSELF
It is also possible that the tension responsible for stress comes from within yourself and is not caused by external factors. Worrying in particular causes stress. Burden and carrying capacity must keep each other in balance. The positive things will ensure that the negative things do not have such a big impact on our lives. If that balance gets out of balance for a short period, this usually does not do much harm. However, if you experience an intense or long period in which (too) much is demanded of your carrying capacity, this can cause an excessive stress level. At that moment, it is useful to seek help and actively tackle stress. This can be done by, for example, increasing the positive elements in your life or, if your stress is already somewhat advanced, seeking treatment to actively tackle your stress.
Have you been suffering from stress for a while and do you suspect that you are suffering from one of the above problems? Then do the self test. The test gives you a clear picture of whether you may be suffering from psychological problems.
CAUSES OF STUDENT STRESS
According to various studies, pressure among students is increasing significantly and the cause does not only lie in the binding study advice.
More and more students are suffering from psychological complaints. Would the pressure be reduced by lowering the maximum number of credits? The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment concluded that the binding study advice leads to more psychological complaints. However, various other studies also mention other important factors. The cause is often said to lie in combining a study, a part-time job, sometimes a management position and social contacts. There is also the pressure to meet the perfect picture, which is reinforced by social media. The number of stimuli for students is enormous, also states Bert van der Zwaan, former rector magnificus of Utrecht University. According to him, the problem does not lie with the binding study advice. According to him, it is actually very successful: it increases the quality of education and controls the growing student flows. "It has never been established that study is the most important factor for stress among students," states Van der Zwaan. "There are even indications that the number of hours that students actually study is still decreasing."
BALANCE
Stress can have many negative consequences and it is important to prevent these. Whether this will happen by lowering the maximum number of credits is still the question. In the Science Café on Stress it was stated that some people are more sensitive to stress than others. Your reaction to stress is both genetically determined and depends on your character and the extent to which you are prepared for an incident. Lowering the study load will therefore not be the solution for everyone. In both the Science Café on Stress and the lecture 'Pressure: too much is never good' the tip was given to find the balance for yourself to counteract stress. Perhaps students do too much in addition to their studies and exhaust themselves in doing so. By lowering the maximum number of credits you give students the opportunity to do even more in addition to their studies. Will it cause even more stress?
Source: Utrecht University
WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?
Burn out / Stress Coaching restores the - disturbed - balance between load and load capacity. You gain insight into the causes and learn new skills on a physical, psychological and social level. This ensures a healthier balance.
- Biological recovery; stress causes stress hormones to be released which affect your immune system and your mood. By planning conscious recovery moments you reduce stress complaints.
- Energy balance: which activities give energy and which drain energy? You get more control over your energy management. This gives balance, peace and regularity.
- Root Causes: What are your personal values and beliefs? In which systems do you function and how are you influenced by them?
- Personal strategies: how do you deal with stressful situations now and how can you improve this?
- External stressors: which circumstances influence your experience of stress and what adjustments are possible.
Each trajectory is personal and tailor-made. The length and duration of the trajectory are individual. A guideline is 6 to 8 sessions for long-term and permanent recovery.
THE INFLUENCE OF RELATIONSHIPS ON STRESS
Relationships play a crucial role in our lives. They can greatly enhance our happiness and well-being, but they can also be a major source of stress. Whether it concerns partners, family, friends, or colleagues: the way we interact with others directly affects how we feel and function.
Conflicts and tensions
Every relationship has its challenges, and conflicts are inevitable. A disagreement with a partner, tensions with a colleague, or a fight with a family member can bring a heavy emotional burden. These conflicts often lead to brooding, lack of sleep, and an increased stress response in the body. Especially if problems are not spoken out or resolved, the stress can build up and even cause physical complaints.
Unhealthy relationships
Toxic relationships, where inequality, manipulation, or a lack of mutual respect are central, can be a constant source of stress. People in these types of relationships often experience feelings of helplessness, sadness, or anger, which can lead to long-term tension and even burnout. Recognizing and breaking an unhealthy relationship is essential to reducing stress.
The pressure of expectations
Relationships also come with expectations. Think of meeting your partner’s needs, supporting family members, or meeting social norms in friendships. If these expectations are too high, they can become a source of stress, especially when you feel like you’re falling short.
Loneliness in relationships
Paradoxically, you can also feel lonely in a relationship. The lack of real connection or support can be just as stressful as the lack of a relationship. This kind of loneliness can lead to feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction, which increases stress.
Positive relationships as a stress buffer
Fortunately, relationships can also be a powerful buffer against stress. People in supportive and loving relationships often recover more quickly from stressful situations and have a stronger sense of well-being. Feeling like you have someone to turn to with your worries or that someone is there to support you through difficult times can reduce stress and increase your resilience.
How to reduce stress in relationships?
- Communication: Talk openly and honestly about your feelings and needs.
- Setting boundaries: Make sure you know where your boundaries are and communicate them.
- Self-care: Take good care of yourself so you can better cope with relationship challenges.
- Seek help: Relationship therapy or coaching can help reduce tensions in relationships and learn to deal better with conflicts.
Relationships have a profound effect on our stress levels. By consciously working on healthy connections and breaking patterns, you can not only reduce stress, but also experience greater fulfillment and happiness in your interactions with others.
If you would like to know more about this, please contact contact with me on.
