Stress
Stress is an emotion and is defined as our reaction to a challenge. This challenge can be physical, mental or emotional pressure. Sources of stress vary, but can be categorised as:
Environmental stressors : weather, noise, traffic
Social stressors: deadlines, job interviews, demands for your time and attention, conflicts, financial difficulties, work pressure
Physiological stressors: lack of exercise, poor nutrition, aging, lack of sleep, illness
Thoughts: how we are used to interpret our experiences and what we predict for our future can relax or stress us.
Some of the problems or difficulties associated with stress are:
digestive problems: bloating, constipation or diarrhoea
tension headaches
excessive tiredness, aches and pains
anger outbursts, snapping at people
irritability
withdrawal from activities or people
Treatment for stress involves recognising it as a problem, identifying the sources of stress and adjusting our behaviour by building resources (both internal and external) that help us cope.
We respond to situations, we don’t react to situations.