Culture Stress

Some stress is a good thing.

We need a certain amount of stress in our lives in order to be productive. A chart in my "Living in China Guide" rates different life experiences using points to indicate the level of stress they bring. For example, a jail term is listed at 63 stress points, and pregnancy registers a 40 on the stress-scale. Supposedly, a score of over 300 points total means you are in the danger zone, where stress becomes more harmful than helpful.

Let's see what we may be facing....

Change in financial state-38 points
Change in living conditions-25 points
Begin school-26 points
Change in residence-20 points
Change in church activities-19 points
Change in sleeping habits (hard mattresses)-16 points
Change in number of family get-togethers-15 points
Change in eating habits-15 points

174 points. Not bad!
(I did the math in my head, which has a pretty high point value for me.)

Not included in the chart however, are the following stressors: change in social roles, change in routine, and change in language. I would rate the language change pretty high on the scale. Maybe on par with a jail term or at least a pregnancy.

Some helpful advice for those arriving in a new culture:

•  Set reasonable goals. Throw away your "to do" list and plan to do one thing in the morning and maybe another thing in the afternoon.
• Be committed to joy.
• Recognize and accept limitations and assets.
• Treat others with empathy and be concerned for their needs. Aim to use your gifts to benefit others.
• Make your cultural change gradually by doing research and preparing for the new culture.
• Take personal customs and traditions with you.
• Be forgiving.
• Be thankful.
• Be an encourager. Don't be a sponge who soaks up help but never gives any out.

I desire to keep this perspective and impress it upon my kids. If we are committed to joy and thanksgiving, & looking out not only for our own interests but also for the interests of others, then we have a good chance of surviving and thriving in our new culture.


Card designed by Amy to give to her friends on the last day of school.