Stress? Is it positive or negative?

Stress is often used to describe distress, fatigue and feelings of not being able to cope. Stress is a commonly used term in society and we use it to describe ALL stress whether minor or major.

People can feel stressed once in a while or every day!

People tend to think of stress as being a negative experience e.g. like job pressure, being late or having too much to do etc.

However, getting married, buying a house, or becoming a parent are positive events but again can be seen as the most stressful.

In these situations stress often provides the drive and motivation that helps to keep us productive and efficient  and can test our skills and mental ability.

The effects of stressful challenges will not usually lead to ill health, provided that the extra energy is used appropriately, and we feel in control and able to cope. It is only when stress gets out of hand that problems arise and it starts to have a negative impact on us.

Some pressures are unavoidable in life and most of us will have stressful moments. We know that certain events, such as getting married, can be major contributors to the level of stress that we experience, but we should not under-estimate the effect that several less dramatic events and demands have on us. It’s almost like we have an internal “Stressometer” and once it overflows then the stress needs to be dealt with.

One thing is certain though Negative Stress + Negative Stress + Negative Stress + more Negative Stress will eventually be too much and can lead to more serious issues such as depression and anxiety.

 So what are key points about Stress?

• It is difficult to measure.
• People show stress in different ways…some people get angry, some people cry, some people comfort eat whilst others shut themselves off.
• The optimum stress level for each person is different and varies dependent on the stressors.
• Each stressor has different effects on people. What stresses one person doesn’t stress another.
• Physical and mental fitness can affect stress levels.
• Some people manage to cope with stress but they do not necessarily know how to manage it effectively.
• It is a personal experience, which is not necessarily related to success or failure at home or at work.
• Many people do not recognise stress in themselves or in others.
• No-one knows when stress suddenly becomes too much….often referred to as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”

Time to Reflect:

What stresses you and what happens when you are stressed in a positive or negative way? How do you deal with the negative impact of stress?

Here are some tips for dealing with stress