What Is Stress - Understanding Stress
The term ‘stress’ tends to make people think of something that is unpleasant. However, people can benefit positively from stress. It all depends on how each person is able to meet the challenges they face in life that can cause stress.
The following examples may help to highlight the way that certain situations will be more stressful to one person than another. You have a champion skier at the Olympics and a college senior facing their final math test. The skier has been training hard, the senior has done little studying.
When viewing things from a physiological point, both individuals will be experiencing similar effects - active sweat glands, higher metabolism, rapid heartbeat and breathing for example. There are also some psychological similarities - higher concentration on the present and thoughts about the next few minutes, vivid images and heightened sensitivity to feelings.
Despite experience similar effects, there are also key psychological differences. The skier is facing the challenge with exhilaration, ready to win. The senior doubts his ability and feels fear.
Both situations are examples of stress. However, it is the differences that are vital in how the stress is processed by the two people. The skier is ready, and wants to take on the challenge before him. He believes that he is ready to do what needs to be done. The senior in unprepared for the challenge before him, and instead can only focus on the consequences of the situation.
Neither knows what the outcome will be of their challenge, but their perspective is likely to have an impact on the final outcome. It is also likely that the final outcome will be judged differently by both people.
Perhaps the skier’s performance results in a Silver medal, rather than Gold. Though he failed to reach number one, being number two can still eventuate in many positives that will see him be successful in life. The senior’s performance may result in him being unable to graduate unless he retakes the class and his choices for graduate school may also be limited by his performance.
These two situations are highly simplified, but the basis behind the stress is there in each case. Your attitude plays a large factor when faced with challenges, and how you are able to overcome them.
For this reason, the two meanings of the word 'stress' often get confused. One is a reference to the physiological symptoms and heightened awareness that a stressful situation produces. The other refers to suffering from stress, where worry is combined with the symptoms. This can lead to health problems, as if stress symptoms persist, they can be harmful. For this reason, minimizing, or eliminating stress from your life is essential.
Introduction to Stress
The Effects of Stress
Stress - How NOT To Deal with Stress
Managing Stress and Your Health
What Causes Stress
Causes of Stress at Work
How to Deal with Stress
Stress and Exercise – How to Relieve Stress with Exercise
Conquering Stress – How to Conquer Stress
Tackling Stress in the Modern World
Curing Stress at Work – How to Cure Stress at Work
Curing Stress – Pruning the Roots
Stress and Diet
Stress and Alcohol
Stress Curing Techniques – How to Deal with Stress
Stress Guide and Info
Stress and Money Issues
Manage Stress Living Together with Your Partner
Stress and Pets
How to Deal with Parenting Stress
Stress from Parents, Teenage Dilemmas
Managing Stress around the Holidays
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