What Is Stress
Strangely, we all talk about stress, but we are not always clear about what is stress. There are several ways to define stress. Perhaps the most encompassing definition of stress is
"Stress is the response of the body to any demand placed upon them. It arises when they start to worry that they can’t cope. Its is also considered as the “wear and tear” of our mind and body as we adjust to the ever changing environment"
In other words, stress is somehow synonymous with worry. If it is something that makes you worry, then it is stress.
Stress comes from both the good and the bad things that happen to us. Stress itself is not bad. It only becomes a problem when we are not sure how to handle an event or a situation. Then worry sets in, and we feel "stressed."
With such ambiguity, it is no surprise that stress is confusing to many of us. So, let us take a look at some common myths and stress facts.
Some Interesting Stress Facts and Myths:
MYTH No. 1: Factors that induce stressful feelings are similar for everybody.
FACT: Stressful feelings depend on each individual's perceptions and interpretation of events and emotions. Common stressor, which are things that trigger stress, include family; health; and financial, intellectual, social, spiritual, and professional issues. But how people respond to them varies. In other words, the things that cause stress for you may not be a problem for your neighbour, and things that bring stress to your neighbour's life may not worry you at all. It is how you think about and react to certain events that determine whether you find them stressful or fairly easy to deal with.
MYTH No. 2: Stress manifests itself in the same way in everyone.
FACT: Manifestations of stress also vary from person to person. Some people may have very subtle reactions to stress like merely worrying a little, and getting angry while others may experience more severe responses like elevated blood pressure, stomach upset, insomnia and difficulty swallowing. Others may have more subtle responses, such as difficulty concentrating or feeling angry or out of control.
MYTH No. 3: Stress is all bad
FACT: Stress is not all bad and should not be eliminated. A little stress may be beneficial in that it can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge.
MYTH No. 4: Stress is everywhere, you can’t do anything about it
FACT: Stress can be reduced to a level that is tolerable and even beneficial to us. By learning how to recognize these stress, its causes and using some easily taught stress management techniques, you can prevent or eliminate much of the stress you ordinarily experience.
MYTH No. 5: Using one coping strategy consistently is the best way to handle stress.
FACT: There is no single stress management technique that is so effective that it can eliminates all sources or causes of stress. Usually a combination of such coping strategies may be required to effectively manage stress . For example, they confront others when assertiveness is called for, ignore and avoid people or situations when nothing can be done, make efforts to develop themselves, use social support networks, and avoid relying on crutches such as alcohol and drugs.
MYTH No. 6: Stress reduction techniques are all very time-consuming.
FACT: Many effective stress management techniques take only seconds; for example, substituting a positive thought for a stress-producing one. Taking deep breaths and counting to 10 can also relieve tension.
MYTH No. 7: Stress are only seen in adults. Teenagers or kids do not experience stress.
FACT: Stress affects people in all age group and from all walks of life. While adults may be at risk of greater exposure to stress like stress from work, family, relationship, sex etc, teenagers and kids may also experience stress from school, family and friends.
Stress Statistics
And here are some stress statistics that you may be interested to know.
- Job burnout experienced by 25% to 40% of U.S. workers is blamed on stress
- $300 billion, or $7,500 per employee, is spent annually in the U.S. on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses (nearly 50% higher for workers who report stress), and employee turnover.
- Depression, only one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, responsible for more days lost than any other single factor.
- More than ever before, employee stress is being recognized as a major drain on corporate productivity and competitiveness.
- women who work full-time and have children under the age of 13 report the greatest stress worldwide
- nearly one in four mothers who work full-time and have children under 13 feel stress almost every day
- globally, 23% of women executives and professionals, and 19% of their male peers, say they feel "super-stressed"
- The leading six causes of death in the U.S.: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide
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