How to Prevent Stress?

We often hear people using phrases like effective stress reducing techniques, stress relief techniques, effective stress cures, etc. In actual fact, these are all reactive or corrective actions to be taken after a stressful situation has already occurred. Is this the correct way of doing things? Maybe, if it is beyond your control. Is there other stress technique that we can all use? Of course, if it can be within our control and we employ the knowledge and experience of our family members, friends, etc, who have witnessed or seen these stressful situations before. Here, we will look at a stress technique that emphasises on the need for us to identify potential contributing factors of the stress and the required preventive actions to ensure that they do not occur.

To lead a less stressful life requires us to identify potential stressful situations and take appropriate preventive actions. We actually do it subconsciously through our logical thinking. Like stress that can result in negative emotions e.g. fear, fright, anxiety and caused by accidents to your young child or grandchild on the road and at home. We actually take preventive actions like teaching your child the correct way to cross a busy road. In your home, we ensure that the furniture does not have sharp edges and your coffee table glass top is made of the unbreakable type.

However, potential stress that arise out of some major decisions or actions that we take e.g. getting married, changing job, buying a property or going into business, require some careful consideration. I knew of a young man who had decided to venture into business but was not very successful. His parents were utterly stressed out and could not sleep, frightened that he might resort to some unwarranted actions. In my view, this young man did not make sufficient concerted efforts to think through of potential problems like inability to finance the business as a going concern, inability to get sufficient customers initially to finance the cash flow, customers who would not pay etc. Had he taken appropriate preventive actions to mitigate these potential problems, the business would probably turn out alright.




In identifying potential stress arising from some major decisions or actions that we take e.g. getting married, changing job, buying a property or going into business etc, it is appropriate that we consider the seriousness and probability of the potential stressful situations to occur. Potential stressful situations in a marriage like divorce, incompatibility between the two partners, are worthwhile taken into careful consideration due to the adverse negative impacts on our life. Of course, if the feeling is nonthreatening then it is not an issue at all. Then we do not have to consider it. In some cultures, divorce and changing partners which are major contributing factors to stress, are not common and are in fact discouraged by the community. Just consider those potential stressful situations that will cause adverse negative impacts on our life.

As soon as we have identified the potential stress that has adverse negative impacts on our life, stress techniques are employed to prevent the potential stress from happening. Preventive actions should be appropriate, effective and implementable. And it is a good practice to implement the preventive actions without any unnecessary delay. Otherwise, it is as good as not doing anything. As the saying goes, No Action Talk Only (NATO).

Stress Prevention & Management: A Guide to Easy Living