Be cool-headed and avoid stress: Expert<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Life today is a byword for stress, especially in
\na big city like Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Traffic jams, sweltering heat and the frantic pace of work are
\ngiven problems. Now there is the additional trouble of the
\nmonetary crisis, hitting not only the capital but the whole
\nnation.<\/p>\n
Problems have avalanched following the sharp decline in the
\nvalue of the rupiah in the past few months. Prices of goods have
\nstarted to rise while salaries, if they have not been cut, remain
\nthe same.<\/p>\n
That is if you are fortunate enough to have a job. Many
\nbusiness owners, complaining of a slump in orders, have laid off
\nemployees.<\/p>\n
Things are getting a little bit better now, thanks to the
\ngovernment's landmark efforts to intervene, particularly with the
\nclosure of 16 \"delinquent\" banks.<\/p>\n
Yet, stress is still here. Many are gripped by fears over an
\ninevitable recession.<\/p>\n
In their frustration, they grumble, complain and cry.<\/p>\n
It's acceptable to do this as long as you know when to stop
\nand start picking up the pieces, according to socio-psychologist
\nSartono Mukadis.<\/p>\n
\"My philosophy is that if someone dies, and everyone cries,
\nwho will bury the dead?\" Sartono said.<\/p>\n
\"Crying is okay, but don't cry all the time. Be cool-headed.
\nStart thinking and find the solution. Ask yourself, what's the
\npoint of crying, being upset, angry, fighting, or even taking
\nyour case to court. That will only bring disadvantages to us.\"<\/p>\n
Some of us have the burden of redundancy hanging over our
\nheads. Sartono says that if the dreaded pink slip does land on
\nyour desk, swallow some pride.<\/p>\n
\"If you are laid off, take the severance pay and then think
\nabout what to do. Is there any possibility that you can get a new
\njob?<\/p>\n
If not, and you are a man whose wife does not work, is it
\npossible for her to become the breadwinner? Or is it possible to
\nrun your own business? Gather all possibilities and analyze.
\nLearn your strength and weaknesses, and see the opportunities and
\nthe threats.\"<\/p>\n
Sartono refutes the notion that people are stuck in fixed
\ncareer paths and cannot turn their hand to other skills.<\/p>\n
The source of the stress is not the layoff but the uncertainty
\nthat lies ahead, Sartono said.<\/p>\n
\"It (the layoff) is only a trigger factor. It's the fear that
\nwe won't be able to solve the problems that leads to the stress.\"<\/p>\n
He said those who believed there were answers to the problem
\nwould be composed.<\/p>\n
\"It's like in the traffic jams. If you know that there are
\npolicemen to clear the traffic, or that the traffic jams will be
\nover, then you won't get stressed.<\/p>\n
\"In this situation (the monetary crisis), if you know that
\nthere are ways to solve the problem, things will be less
\nstressful.\"<\/p>\n
He underlined the need for keeping a level head.<\/p>\n
\"Don't be overcome by emotion. Think rationally.<\/p>\n
\"The government is working hard to handle the situation. This
\ntakes time, but if you don't want to be stressed, you should
\ntrust them.\"<\/p>\n
He said the monetary situation would get worse if there were
\nuncontrollable variables, such as groups fomenting unrest by
\nplaying on the public's fears.<\/p>\n
\"Fortunately, so far we don't see this variable occurring. So,
\nplease, be calm.\"<\/p>\n
He recommended that people steel themselves to face reality
\nand use reason to deal with the situation.<\/p>\n
\"Our economic growth has been predicted to decrease from about
\n7 percent to 3 or 4 percent in the coming years. So, don't ever
\ncount the money in other people's pockets.\"<\/p>\n
Some may turn to friends and relatives for help, but Sartono
\ncautioned that real solutions lie within ourselves.<\/p>\n
\"It's you who has to make a decision and act. Try to do
\nsomething; however small it is, it might help. And remember one
\nthing, don't become a merchant of sadness, asking others to take
\npity on you and lend a hand. That won't help.<\/p>\n
The time to act is now.<\/p>\n
\"I know it is not easy. but if we don't start from now, things
\nwill be too late. Stop mourning and start working.<\/p>\n
\"If you are not able to cope with emotion and are carried away
\nwith the stress, you will plunge into a bottomless well.\"<\/p>\n
Dwelling endlessly on the troubles, Sartono warned, could
\n\"make you crazy\". (sim)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/be-cool-headed-and-avoid-stress-expert-1447893297",
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