Re-defining Stress And Stress Management

Usually, the term ‘stress’ has a negative connotation, whenever it is brought up during a conversation. Even if this is the general idea about stress, more and more authorized sources, like psychologists, sustain that stress can be something positive, that helps us during our lives. Why is interpreted as being bad? The answer is related to the way stress is seen by a particular individual, at a certain moment.

Let’s take a look at a concrete example. We will present two real life situations, for the sake of the experiment: one involving a runner, preparing for the Olympics, where he will take part and one involving a college student, during the last days before taking an important exam. The main difference between the two is that the first did nothing but preparing for the Olympics, while the other did not care one bit about studying.

Feelings of anticipation mark them both. From a physiological point of view, they seem to have the same physical manifestations. Heart rate is increased, breathing becomes faster, metabolism reaches higher levels, sweat glands are in overdrive and other symptoms appear as well. Also, they tend to think only at the events that are about to happen, an attitude resulting in higher concentration.

The similarities stop here, because there is a large difference between the two, based on their level of preparation. The runner is very excited, as he is about to put all his efforts from the last months or years to the test. The reward that awaits him is a medal and he looks forward to seizing it. On the other hand, the college student, knowing that he is not at all prepared, feels fearful and worried.

What is stress? That is the question. In our imaginary experiment, both people are under a lot of stress. Is stress different from one case to the other? The answer is yes, because the first person awaits the event to happen and he wishes it to happen, while the other evaluates what kind of negative effects the exam will have on his future.

Nobody knows what the future will bring, for sure. The way they see how the future will look for them is very much different.

There is no way anyone could tell if the runner ends up winning the first place. But he may still get a lot from the situation, by reaching a good place in the competition and by opening the door to a better future. The college student reflects on how failing the exam will force him retake the course, while preventing him from graduation.

Stress is highly related to how we see ourselves and our behaviors in certain situations. This influences our state of mind and, eventually, how we feel.

Evaluating the situations presented above, we can see that stress can mean different things. While the runner experiences stress as a state of joyful anticipation, the other person feels doubt and fear. Even if they experience the same symptoms, they do not feel the same: the first feels empowered and ready, the other feels down and sorry for himself. What could be the consequences? The first person will lead a healthier life, while the student college may have to deal with real health problems. The way we think, the way we see things with our minds, can have a strong effect on our health.

If you are successful in dealing with stress, then the door to a more relaxed and healthier life is open for you.

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