Definition of Stress
While there are different definitions of stress, here we provide a contemporary definition of stress, and what this means for stress relief. While we have all experienced stress, a stress definition is more elusive. Everybody knows what it feels like to be under stress - a rapidly beating heart or butterflies in our stomach. But if you ask "what is an adequate stress definition" to the average guy in the street - their response will be less certain. Well....it's the same with the researchers in the area. Some see stress as a series of life events, while others view it as the stress response. However, we all know of people seem to jump from one stress to another, while some lucky others seem to float through life unaffected by stress. This means that an adequate definition of stress needs to involve perception and how we may view the stressor. A Contemporary Definition of StressIf we borrow the definition of stress that is used in science, then stress is the result of external pressure that is placed on an object. If too much force is applied, then the object will eventually bend and break. A contemporary definition of stress expands upon this idea of stress. The most common definition of stress is that proposed by Richard Lazarus, which states that stress is experienced when a person perceives that the “demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize." Stress: In the Eye of the Beholder One views this as a disaster - how can I feed my family or pay the rent? The other may see this as an opportunity to get a better job, spend some quality time with friends and family or learn a new skill. So the cause of stress, in this case the sacking from work, was perceived as stressful, and elicited a stress response for the first person but not for the second. Positive Thinking Based on our definition of stress, how you view the stressor influences your stress reaction. Jump directly to: Positive Mental Attitude: How a positive mental attitude can help you to cope with stress. Positive Thinking: Positive thinking strategies to build stress resilience. Cognitive Therapy: Cognitive therapy is used as a stress management tool. Laughter Therapy: Laughter helps you to re-frame your problems and release endorphins. The Body’s Stress Response
Based on the definition of stress, if perceived demands of the situation exceed the perceived resources of the individual, then stress will occur. The first phase of stress is the fight or flight response. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released into the bloodstream to enable the body to fight or flee from the stressor. The release of stress hormones in the body increases muscle tension, heart rate and a number of other stress symptoms that prepare the body to fight or flee from the stressful situation. This fight or flight response may have been a suitable reaction in caveman time or other acute stress...focusing attention to escape from the life threatening situation. However, it is hard to see how this stress response is beneficial for chronic stress, such as prolonged work stress, relationship stress or financial stress, where a calm, problem solving approach is preferable to 'fight' or 'flee'. Your body’s constant state of alert can affect your ability to work effectively, develop and sustain relationships and affect your overall health. If you are stressed and are looking for a better way to manage it, then these stress management tips could help you deal more appropriately with your current causes of stress. Effects of stress on your healthIt is not only life threatening situations that activate the stress response. Every time we get frustrated, annoyed, feel pressured or worried – the stress response is activated. This can mean that throughout the day the body is constantly mobilizing resources in the preparation for fight or flight – which can lead to feelings of anxiousness, stress, tenseness and irritability. This unrelenting chronic stress can lead to wear and tear on your mind and body. Unrelenting Stress and Exhaustion The fight or flight response is the alarm phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). The GAS describes the short and long-term effects of stress as your body goes through the initial alarm phase, resistance phase and eventually the exhaustion phase. Too much stress for too long can lead to burnout, poorer stress health and eventually death. Some of physical and emotional effects of stress on the mind and body are:
Quick stress reliefOur stress definition acknowledges that stress is not only a biological response but also is influenced by how you perceive the stressor. This means that approaches to stress management can be focused on both the physical and mental effects of stress through:
 The old adage that "you can’t solve a problem until you identify it" is also true of stress management. Monitoring your stress levels and knowing how you react can give you objective date about your stressors and how you react to them. Download a stress diary today and start monitoring your stress levels.
Have you ever noticed that some people get stressed and frazzled by almost anything yet others appear unfazed and in control. One way that you can increase your ability to cope with stress is to adopt and healthy way of thinking. Positive thinking is a skill and like any skill it needs to be practiced. Positive thinking can help you to take a problem oriented approach to coping with stress.
 What is more contagious that a sneeze or a cold and good for your health? That's right - laughter. A few good chuckles promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Research shows that laughter releases endorphins into the body with the benefits of laughter therapy extending beyond stress to improving muscle tension and strengthening the immune system.
Have you ever been told to "Relax". Perhaps it was your partner who was noticing you getting frustrated, or a dentist before starting the drill. While you may have been told to relax, it is unlikely you were told how to relax. Progressive muscle relaxation has been shown to activate the relaxation response, which counters the effects of stress. Related Articles
Work Stress: Take Control of Work Stress Time Management: Time Management Techniques for Stress Relief Self Hypnosis: Deal with Stress through Self Hypnosis Symptoms of Stress: Identify your Warning Signs and Symptoms of stress Stress Health: How Stress affects your Health and Wellbeing Stress Causes: Monitor your Causes of Stress with this Worksheet Not all Stress is Bad: Definition of stress - Different Types of Stress and Optimum Stress
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