Our modern human lives can be stressful, with responsibilities tugging from various directions. In turn, this chronic stress can lead to health problems, including anxiety, headaches, ulcers and cardiovascular disease.
In my experience, stress results more from the anticipation and perception of our responsibilities than from the duties themselves. We are often overwhelmed by the multiple tasks that face us and sense that we don't have the time to accomplish them. Taking time to relax (an important choice) may heighten the anxiety, adding a layer of guilt to our troubled minds.
In reality, we usually have plenty of time to handle our responsibilities but tend to waste a good deal of it on mindless activities such as television, computer games and recurring conversations. I suggest making a list of "extra duties" that demand your attention in the coming week and commit to accomplish one (and only one) each day. By breaking down this gauntlet of looming responsibilities into single tasks, you may discover that there is more than enough time to accomplish them and, in the process, you will be encouraged by your achievements. In most cases, stress will disappear as inertia gives way to progress.
