STRESS

What is Stress?

Stress is one of those things that is hard to define. It may be thought of as how we feel e.g. tense, worried, or when we feel we are working under pressure. Not all “stress” is always a bad thing but it can also be the result of positive events in our lives (e.g., the birth of a child, a new relationship).

Any event that requires us to make changes and put forth effort involves a certain amount of stress. Some events, such as deadlines and competitions, may produce feelings of eagerness and excitement, particularly when we think that we have a chance of succeeding. The arousal you feel when you try and make these changes is considered healthy.

The amount of stress you feel is likely to be influenced by three types of things:

1. The stressful situation, particularly when it is bigger, unexpected or unfamiliar. For example when a train is unexpectedly delayed, students completing an assignment only when the deadline is coming up and realising it’s going to take longer than expected.
2. How you see the problem and your ability to cope. For example too much work to get through in the time allocated. Or the fear of not being able to carry out your work because of the pain setting up fears of loosing your job.
3. The level of help and support from friends relatives and work colleagues. For example having to look after a young family without the support of your partner.

Stress can result in feelings of exhaustion, fatigue and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach and high blood pressure. Stress can also affect your work performance and relationships.

The relationship between arousal stress and performance is shown in the diagram below. While a certain level of stress helps us perform, if we experience too much stress, we begin to suffer. Note that it is not the events themselves that cause the stress, but how a person reacts to them.

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__People react very differently when in the same situation, one person may feel a health amount of arousal, while another person may feel “stressed out”.

Arousal and Performance

The Fight-or-Flight Response

Stress is related to a primitive system in our body called “fight-or-flight” response. It is called this because it provides the strength and energy to either fight or run away from danger. The physical changes that occur when this system is activated include the following:

• An increase in heart rate and blood pressure (to increase blood to the muscles, brain and heart)
• Faster breathing (to take in more oxygen)
• Tensing of muscles (to prepare for actions like running)
• Increased mental alertness and sensitivity of sense organs (to assess the situation and act quickly)
• Increased blood flow to the brain heart and muscles (the organs that are the most important in dealing with danger)
• Less blood to the skin, digestive tract, kidneys and liver (where it is least needed in times of crisis).
• An increase in blood sugar, fats and cholesterol (for extra energy)
• A rise in platelets and blood clotting factors (to prevent haemorrhage in case of injury).

Although this system was adaptive in the past (e.g., to help our ancestors in hunting), it is not always appropriate today. In fact, when this system is turned on for long periods of time it can have harmful effects on the body (e.g., decreased immune function, heart disease).

Common Causes of Stress

Although the physical effects of stress are the same for us as they were for our ancestors, the sources of stress may be different. See the two tables for potential external and internal stressors. Note which ones may be a source of stress for you.

Also see:-
 Stress and pain
 Stress relief techniques
 Strategies and Self-help techniques for Stress

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Content by Jane Morris - connect with me on Google+

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