What is stress?
Although the term “stress” has become very common, it is originally a physics term meaning “distortion of an object.’’ This idea was first brought to medicine by Hans Selye. According to Selye, who identified these stimuli as stressors and the biological reactions they induced as stress, a variety of stimuli to animals alter the organism. Physical, chemical, and psychosocial stressors are all types of stressors. High and low temperatures, as well as loud noises and vibrations, are examples of physical stressors. Inhalable poisons and medications are examples of chemical stressors. Numerous stressors, such as interpersonal and occupational issues, are included in the category of psychosocial stressors. When addressing stress, psychological stressors are thought to be the most significant and complicated (World Health Organization, 2023).
Stress enhances focus.
Cortisol and adrenaline levels rise in response to stress, which significantly enhances the fight-or-flight response. This is a sensation that typically strikes in dangerous situations where the body is trying to protect itself.
The body can release excessive amounts of adrenaline and cortisol in response to too much stress, which frequently results in anxiety and a host of other issues. A minor amount of cortisol and adrenaline entering the body, however, is beneficial. Many people seem to work better when they’re a little stressed out. When used properly, adrenaline can improve cognitive and attentional abilities. Speeches, tests, college finals, and other events can all be stressful in their own specific ways. Although the majority of these circumstances are stressful, more stress can actually improve a performer’s capacity to concentrate. Better outcomes are impossible to accomplish without the body producing more cortisol and adrenaline (Masand, 2014).
Stress boosts confidence.
Stress boosts self-confidence. Gaining confidence in your ability to “weather the storm” in any circumstance by learning how to handle tough events We have two options when faced with stress: either we let it ruin our lives or we learn how to deal with it so that we can grow and become psychologically stronger and better equipped to handle all of life’s challenges (Masand, 2014).
No-stress impact
In Sebastian Ocklenburg’s study, stress-free people were linked to a number of favorable outcomes. People who weren’t stressed out reported fewer chronic illnesses, more positive emotions, and fewer negative emotions. On the other hand, they performed worse on a 20-minute exam that measured memory and mental flexibility. They were also less likely than individuals who were stressed to offer and receive emotional assistance. In comparison to respondents who reported stressors, those who did not report any stressors tended to be older, less educated, more male, and less married.
Social activity may be an important factor in the relationship between stress and well-being. Having many social relationships and receiving and giving emotional support from others may be associated with occasional stresses in daily life. While these daily annoyances may increase negative emotions compared to stress-free conditions, they may also motivate people to challenge their own ideas and opinions and to actively work on problem solving (Ocklenburg, 2021).
A little stress is necessary for success.
Stress is considered a bad thing; however, moderate stress may activate one’s own abilities, such as improving concentration and confidence. The major benefit that stress creates is ‘the ability to get things done.’ An example is studying for school. When it is exam time, one feels pressure to pass the exam while at the same time feeling stressed because of the fear that one may not pass the exam. This may arise automatically from the environment. Many people, not just students, have had the experience of trying to accomplish something under pressure, such as a manuscript with a deadline or a last-minute document. However, if there were no deadline, you would be less likely to be able to keep that thing going. In other words, behind the well-known negative effects of stress is the ability to get things done (Young, 2015).
Dealing with stress
You must think about strategies to reduce the things that make stress more difficult to handle if you want to manage it successfully. It’s critical to avoid stress’s damaging effects on the brain and to manage stress well (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).
- Allow yourself to have some control over your situation.
If stress is unpredictable, you can focus on controlling the predictable. Having a regular routine is good for your own development and health.
- Get good sleep.
Excessive stress interferes with sleep, which in turn makes stress worse when sleep is lacking. The areas of the brain that regulate higher processes perform less well when you are sleep-deprived. Healthy sleep practices include going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, having a peaceful and comfortable resting environment, and avoiding coffee after noon.
- Keep things organized.
Using time management techniques can also help you feel less stressed. Create a detailed list of the tasks that must be completed each day, for instance. You won’t feel overburdened by your obligations in this way. Additionally, by creating a list, you will have a defined end goal and know when it is finished. This method of task organization can lessen the feeling of mental overload. Knowing when you’re likely to feel stressed is also helpful.
- Ask for help if needed.
Knowing how to rely on others in moderation may help you become more resilient and able to cope with stress, ultimately protecting your brain health.
- Change attitudes toward stress.
A stress-free life is impossible and also likely to be quite uninteresting, and a certain amount of stress is helpful for growth. So instead of striving to avoid stress, you strive for a healthier response to stress.
Reference
Harvard Health Publishing (2021). Protect your brain from stress – Harvard Health. [online] Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress [Accessed 26 April 2023].
Masand, P. (2014). 3 Benefits of Stress. [online] Inspiyr.com. Available at: https://inspiyr.com/benefits-of-stress/#:~:text=The%20Benefits%20of%20Stress%201%201.%20Stress%20increases [Accessed 25 April 2023].
Ocklenburg, S. (2021). The Dark Side of Having No Stress | Psychology Today Canada. [online] www.psychologytoday.com. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/202103/the-dark-side-having-no-stress [Accessed 26 April 2023].
World Health Organization (2023). Stress. [online] www.who.int. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress [Accessed 25 April 2023].
Young, S. (2015). How Much Stress Do You Need for Success? [online] Scott H Young. Available at: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2015/09/01/stress-and-success/#:~:text=Namely%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20possible%20to%20be%20successful%20as%20an [Accessed 26 April 2023].
