The Nature of Stress

Stress has become one of the most common words to dot our vocabulary, and is unfortunately, one of the greatest liabilities of the way we live. It has been defined as pressure, tension or excess strain and its profound effects on our metal and physical health support the fact that we live in a high stress world. The market for any sort of stress reliever is a tremendous one making stress reduction a multi-million dollar industry. Obviously, modern day living has its advantages but does not come without its costs. Before the turn of the century, before the introduction of mechanization and industrialization, life moved at a slower pace. Today, we must cope with the hurry up and wait mentality that causes our stomachs to churn and our heads to ache. So while we have eliminated many of the physically challenging chores our grandparents had to tackle, we've filled our days with mental and emotional stressors, which are, in many ways, are more harmful. In fact, proportionate physical labor has been found to relieve stress. Ironically today, we must purchase equipment designed to artificially produce the same results working on the farm did.

 

Causes of Stress

Stress is not always produced by "bad" situations. Even seemingly good things that happen to all of us on occasion can significantly raise our stress levels. Look over the following list and identify what stressors specifically apply to you.

**Positive Emotional Stressors**
job promotion
birth of a baby
wedding
change of residence
recognition
elevation in notoriety

 

**Negative Emotional Stressors**

death of a loved one marital discord
divorce loss of a job
dealing with teenagers excess commitments
constant deadlines lack of funds
dealing with older parents disease or injury
spiritual crises fear
worry or hate
mood swings

 

**Physical Stressors**

disease (general) injury
age-related disorders eating disorders
environmental noise/pollution smoking
chemical additives temperature extremes;
malnutrition hormonal disorders (PMS)
drug addiction (including alcohol) caffeine
allergies lack of sleep
pain

The Stress Test

Scientists have actually developed a criteria for checking stress levels and evaluating whether or not stress is playing a significant role in one's physical or mental well being. If you answer yes to two or more of the following questions you may have a stress-prone personality.

• 1. Do you try to do more than one thing at a time?
• 2. Do you rush through your meals?
• 3. Are you compulsive about punctuality?
• 4. Do you find it difficult to relax?
• 5. Do others tell you to take things slower?
• 6. Do you interrupt others frequently while they are talking?
• 7. Are you accident-prone?
• 8. Do you get impatient or upset if something or someone delays you? (traffic, etc.)

 

**Symptoms of Stress**

Tense muscles
Hunger outbursts
Irritability
Racing/irregular heartbeat
Increased use of drugs/alcohol
Crying
Loss of self confidence
Becoming accident prone
Fluttery stomach
Increased perspiration
Lack of concentration
Excessive sighing
Forgetfulness
Nail biting
Teeth grinding
Back or headaches
Heartburn

The Four Stages of Stress

Stress can unfold itself in a series of stages. The first is the "fight of flight" stage in which the body prepares itself to take action, alerting all body systems. In the second stage, a rush of adrenaline courses through the blood stream enabling the body to quickly respond to the situation at hand. During the third stage, the body attempts to break down or metabolize stress hormones. In the fourth stage, body systems slowly return to normal and a calming down effect is experienced.