What is Stress?

While stress does involve events and our response to them, these are not the most important factors. Our thoughts and reactions to the situations in which we find ourselves are the most critical factors.

Although everyone talks about stress, it often isn’t clear what stress is really about. Many people consider stress to be something that happens to them, an event such as an accident or a promotion. Others think that stress is what happens to our bodies; minds and behaviors in response to an event (e.g. heart pounding, anxiety, or nail biting).

At work-place, stress occurs when there is a gap in the person’s expectation and his ability to perform. When something happens to us, we automatically evaluate the situation mentally. We decide if it is threatening to us, how we need to deal with the situation, and what skills we can use. If we decide that the demands of the situation outweigh the skills we have, then we label the situation as “stressful” and react with the classic “stress response”. If we decide that our coping skills outweigh the demands of the situation, then we don’t see it as “stressful”.  Simply put; if we can deal with it – no stress; if not – big stress!

Important to note, not all situations that are labeled “stressful” are negative. The birth of a child, being promoted at work, or moving to a new home may not be perceived as threatening. However, we may feel that situations are “stressful” because we don’t feel fully prepared to deal with them. Even positive events of our lives can give us stress!

We may be motivated and invigorated by the events in our lives, or we may see some as “stressful” and respond in a manner that may have a negative effect on our physical, mental and social well-being. If we always respond in a negative way our health and happiness may suffer. By understanding ourselves and our reactions to stress-provoking situations, we can learn to handle stress more effectively. ‘Awareness’ is the magic mantra which can stand between you and Stress.

To Be Continued …