Stressful-times, the cause and effect

Stressful-times are what's on most lips today

Which of the following is Stress?

• You are going to perform on stage for the first time
• You receive a promotion at work.
• You received an emergency call to attend your child's school immediately
• Your car has a flat tire.
• You gamble and lost all your money
• Your spouse gets sick.
• Your new bedroom set is being delivered.
• You are about to move into your new home.
• Your best friend and his wife come to stay at your house for a week.
• You get a bad case of hay fever.
• All of the above.

The correct answer is: ALL OF THESE ABOVE

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress basically, is a mental or physical response to events that upset our personal balance in some way. Any change that takes place in our lives can cause some degree of stress. These events are known as stressors. Stress Management is knowing these stressors well. They can be good or bad events, if they bring strain on your coping skills and your adaptive resources, the end result is the feeling of stressful-times.

Stressful-times in general can be very difficult to cope with for most people. We all face challenges and obsticles, and sometimes the pressure is hard to bear. When we feel overwelmed, or unsure of how to meet the demands placed on us, we experience stressful-times.

Stress can be a good thing, it can be a driving factor that gives you the push you need, motivating you to do your best and to stay focused and alert. This is known as positive stress or eustress.

Stress management can keep you sharp during a presentation at work or drives you to study for an examination when you would rather be doing something more enjoyable.

But when the demand on our system gets too tough and life's challenges exceed our ability to cope, then sterssful-times become a threat to both our physical and emotional well-being. Most of the times we are conscious of what is happening, but other times it in the sub-unconscious state.

What causes stress?

The causes are many, Yours may be linked to outside factors such as the state of the world, the environment in which you live or work, your immediate family or relatives. It can also come from your irresponsible behaviour, negative attitudes and feelings, or unrealistic expectations.

The causses of stress are in many cases individual. What you consider stressful depends on many factors, including your personality, general outlook on life, problem-solving abilities and social support system.

A stressful situation to you may be neutral or even enjoyable to someone else. The bottom line therefore is not the event or situation that cause the stress, it is you response to it.

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