Why do I let things bother me?

What factors affect my stress?

Stress factors are based on the way you react to and perceive everyday situations, which will vary from person to person. What may be stressful for one, may not faze the next person, at all or vice-versa.

People, places and things in your life influence good or bad stress. Examples of good stress are generally things like weddings, the birth of a child (who is hopefully colic-free), a noteworthy accomplishment or achievement (graduations, a raise, recovery from illness…), birthdays, celebrations.

While these events are fun and happy ones, they do not materialize without some degree of stress. Weddings are happy occasions…if the in-laws get along. Having a child is a blessing…if it sleeps through the night. Graduating from college is a milestone in your life…if you can find a job later on.

The ways in which people handle or react to stressful events is automatic for most, with more or less, predictable positive or negative outcomes. If you are one of the many who are stuck in a stress-managing rut that always causes an unpleasant, or unsatisfying end, the principles of The Oxygen Plan may very well save your life.

A simple rule of thumb in reducing stress is to accept the things you cannot change—don’t spend time trying— and find a new way to live around them. A second important point to keep in mind is that you can only change yourself, not someone else.