Stress
Introduction
You come home from work feeling as though you have been run
through the spin cycle of your washing machine. You can't wait
to take off your shoes and pour yourself a (stiff ) cool drink.
Stress!
Everybody knows what stress is. Stress is an integral part of
our urban lifestyle. It has become a normal part of life,
although it is generally known that stress is bad for health.
But, doesn't stress also have advantages? Is stress the same
as burden?
What is stress?
First of all we want to make clear what exactly stress is.
The body's adaptive response to abnormal circumstances (like
threats or demands) from a new or changing situation is called
stress. The term 'stress' refers both to certain heightened
mental and body states and to the causes of such states.
Nowadays the symptoms of stress are well known. When the
human body is under stress (whether it is real or imaginary)
Adrenaline is poured into the bloodstream.
Health
Physical Exercise aka P.E
HealthAs a result of that
the pulse quickens, the blood pressure raises and the muscle
tension increases. Furthermore you may feel more criticised by
others, become more pessimistic, cynical, or resentful than
usual. Things you normally look forward to may seem like a
burden.
A lot of people are not aware of being under stress. Some are
frequently under so much stress that they assume the feeling is
normal.
Pros
By hearing the word 'stress' most people think of something
unpleasant and bad. But that is only conditionally true. Stress
has also several positive aspects:
- A lot of people (students!) take stress as a replacement
for self-discipline. They just can't start working without time-
pressure. They need to know a certain date when they must
finish their work.. (like students before a test)
- It is known, that people work better, faster and more
effective under stress. There are people, who are even more
creative under stress! This is because of the height Adrenaline
content into your bloodstream.
- Stress is said to be the best sport doping (Adrenaline).
During a sport activity, Stress encourages and raises the
attention / strength. Under stress the human body is able to do
better to do better physical achievements.
Last but not least, some producers of stress (such as
physical exercise, various emotional states, and creative
activity) are usually very healthy! But be careful, continuous
high levels of stress are not.
Contras
On the other hand, stress has much more disadvantages than
advantages.
- Stress is bad for your health! A lot of people react to
stress with aggressiveness, competitiveness, and self-imposed
pressure to get things done. This behaviour has been linked to
increased rates of heart attack, high blood pressure and other
diseases. Stress can also affect the immune system, causing the
body to be less resistant to a wide range of other health
problems.
- Most people can't think clear under stress. They make false
decision and work superficial (slapdash). Stress causes reduced
concentration ability.
- Stress doesn't only affect you, it also has an effect on
your environment. If you're under stress and nervous, your
(school/work) friends automatically become like you. A stressed
person has a bad influence on the work/school atmosphere. A lot
of friendship have broken down because of excessive stress.
Ending
It is said, that stress is the most common 'illness' at the
moment. I am not of the same opinion. As I look at it,
everybody reacts different to stress. While some people become
aggressive and nervous, other people may be equally serious in
their intentions, but are more patient. So, it is not possible
to say, whether stress is good or bad. It just depends on the
person.
Furthermore I think that stress is unavoidable nowadays. But
if you're once under stress, try to manage it the best
possible. Why not making stress work for you as a source of
energy? Better you use your energies by being creative than
wasting them by getting furious.