Have You Got a Clue What Stress Is?

Stress has almost become an unavoidable part of modern life. Unless you quit your job or drop out of school, cut all relationship ties, and decide to live in a cave out in the wilds, chances are you are going to have to deal with one kind of stress or another on a daily basis.

And a little stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, without it, most people wouldn’t feel the urge to get things done, achieve new things, or accomplish their goals.

But it is when stress gets out of control that the real trouble begins.

What Is Stress Exactly?

Stress is your body’s way of dealing with the outside dangers and challenges life can throw your way.

If you are walking down a dark, deserted street, your body will release hormones and chemicals that will make you more alert to your surroundings, and ready to flee to safety at a moment’s notice.

If you have an important project due in the morning, and you are going to have to stay up all night to finish it, the same chemicals and hormones will keep you awake and alert, and give you the extra boost you need to work faster.

In certain situations, a little stress is okay. But you can have too much of a good thing.

When Stress Gets Out of Control

When you are dealing with one demand or challenge after another, it can leave your body in a high state of stress. And those chemicals and hormones your body releases to help you deal with challenging situations can actually be harmful in large, prolonged doses. And, as a result, you can experience all sorts of physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral problems.

Some of the physical symptoms can include headaches, chest pains, diarrhea, sleep disorders, skin breakouts, fatigue, and high blood pressure.

The psychological symptoms can include anxiety, irritability, depression, forgetfulness, and poor concentration.

Stress can also be blamed for many relationship problems. When you are feeling tense, anxious, or overwhelmed, you are much more likely to yell at your spouse, snap at your children, demean your coworkers, or take offense at innocent comments made by friends. And all of this can put a strain on those important relationships.

So, what is stress? It is a condition that can affect every area of your life, from your physical health, to your relationships with friends and family, to your work life. That is why learning to manage stress is a critical part of leading a healthy, happy life.