In life some good things happen, some bad things happen and some fantastic things happen! Why is it when life is good that we feel stress? You may find yourself overwhelmed with things to do and emotions, yet happy to discover the overwhelming list is full of positive things. This is normal. Stress comes from the good and the bad. Stress pushes us to perform better and to react
In 1967 Holmes and Rahe developed a scale of life events which may contribute to illness. These events are not all negative, as you can see in the list below, many are quite happy events including Vacation, Pregnancy and Marriage. Changes in life = changes in stress.
| Minor violation of law | 11 |
| Christmas | 12 |
| Vacation | 13 |
| Change in eating habits | 15 |
| Change in number of family reunions | 15 |
| Change in sleeping habits | 16 |
| Minor mortgage or loan | 17 |
| Change in social activities | 18 |
| Change in church activities | 19 |
| Change in recreation | 19 |
| Change in residence | 20 |
| Change in schools | 20 |
| Change in working hours or conditions | 20 |
| Trouble with boss | 23 |
| Revision of personal habits | 24 |
| Change in living conditions | 25 |
| Beginning or end school | 26 |
| Spouse starts or stops work | 26 |
| Outstanding personal achievement | 28 |
| Change in responsibilities at work | 29 |
| Child leaving home | 29 |
| Trouble with in-laws | 29 |
| Foreclosure of mortgage or loan | 30 |
| Major mortgage | 32 |
| Change in frequency of arguments | 35 |
| Change to different line of work | 36 |
| Death of a close friend | 37 |
| Change in financial state | 38 |
| Business readjustment | 39 |
| Gain a new family member | 39 |
| Sexual difficulties | 39 |
| Pregnancy | 40 |
| Change in health of family member | 44 |
| Marital reconciliation | 45 |
| Retirement | 45 |
| Dismissal from work | 47 |
| Marriage | 50 |
| Personal injury or illness | 53 |
| Death of a close family member | 63 |
| Imprisonment | 63 |
| Marital separation | 65 |
| Divorce | 73 |
| Death of a spouse | 100 |
Add up the numbers beside the list for events in your life in the past year. If that number is over 150 it is very normal to feel stressed. Remember, self-care is a year round thing. Take time to go for walks, exercise, sleep, read, write, do the things you love and spend time with friends and family. If you still feel overwhelmed call us at 705-722-1581 and come in to see your Nurse Practitioner or Social Worker for more ideas on how to live a balanced, stress reduced life!
Amber Sperling MSW RSW