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Interestingly enough, stress can actually be quantified. The Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Scale assigns point values to the various stressors we can experience in life. For example, the most stressful event we can encounter is the death of a spouse, which ranks a 100 on the scale. That’s followed by divorce (73), marital separation (65), jail term (63), death of a close family member (63), and personal injury or illness (53). Even happy events, such as marriage, can rank high on the stress scale.

Most of us do not go through life measuring our stress level. However, referring to the scale can be quite instructive. For instance, after consulting the scale, you might decide to delay a major decision such as the purchase of a new home until you’ve successfully battled the stress from your divorce. Or you may decide to wait before taking a new job until you’ve dealt with the stress from your wedding. This self-awareness can enable you to reduce your stress level and to maintain your equilibrium amidst great life struggles.

You can write a list of stress causing events on a list and paste it on a place where everyone in the family can see it. Now, you’ll have a frequent reminder of life’s struggles and how every family faces the same battles. It may prove to be a consolation in times of great pain and suffering.

Another thing is to try talking about your feelings after the stressful event. Talk to your partner, parents, friends or pastor. If there’s no one to confide in, try talking to your physician to get in touch with a good therapist. It can be the first step of the healing process, and can help you deal with stress more manageably.

Another good option is to commit your feelings to writing. Keep a journal and use it to express your innermost thoughts. You might be surprised by how therapeutic this can be. Use the journal for some problem-solving. Think of ways that you can effectively deal with the stressor in your life. It may be as simple as taking a hot bath to calm your nerves, or as challenging as reorganizing your personal files. Such problem-solving techniques can help you to realize that you can overcome the challenge in your life-that your life will not end, just because you’ve encountered a major setback.

Now that you’re familiar with the stress scale, let’s form a more pro-active approach. For starters, if your marriage is not improving with counseling, perhaps it’s time to consider preparing for divorce. Also, if your father is in the hospital and suffering from a major illness, try your best to do all you can for him before he dies. What you’re doing here is preparing for catastrophe. While it’s stressful to think about such calamities, it can also help you handle life’s traumatic events.

Lastly, try to take things slowly, don’t try to speed through life when making big choices, especially when facing a crisis. Know that many things in life do not need fast decisions. If you have time on your side, use it to thing through things carefully instead of using snap judgments. Being calm helps a lot in handling complex decisions.

Rene Lacapeis an excellent health worker who has been in the stress management section for many years already. He has maintained a well known expertise that many patients like. You can check his website to read more about him.