Life of Single Parent

The kids are screaming, the bills are due and the pile of papers on

your desk is growing at an alarming pace. It's undeniable — life is full of

stress. Understanding the types and sources of stress — big and small,

short-term and long-term, internal and external — is an important part

of stress management. So first what stresses you out, next take the right

steps in dealing with the root of the problem, and last tackle the symptoms

of the stress.

Recognizing the cause of the stress is the first step in coping with

the stress.Stress affects people in different ways. Realizing that the stress

is there is very important. If someone is stressed it is only a matter of time

before something has to give, and that something is more than likely to be

you. In this first step you will need to ask yourself what is causing this

stress at this time;. Physical Stressors, Work Stressors, Psychological

Stressors, Family Stressors, Social Stressors, Environmental Stressors

are all forms of stress. Where is it all coming from?

Self-talk is one way to deal with stress. We all talk to ourselves;

sometimes we talk out loud but usually we keep self-talk in our heads.

Self-talk can be positive ("I can do this" or "Things will work out") or

negative ("I'll never get well" or "I'm so stupid"). When stress makes you

feel bad, do something that makes you feel good. Doing things you enjoy

is a natural way to fight off stress. Relaxation is more than sitting in your

favorite chair watching TV. To relieve stress, relaxation should calm the

tension in your mind and