An individual’s stress is a response to a threatening or challenging environmental condition. To understand and explore more about the stress, it is important to know about the association of stress and fear. Both are correlated to each other. But in many cases we are responsible for our stress. We encounter both positive and negative stressors; circumstances from where the stress is originated.Stress though largely associated with psychological patterns, impacts one’s well being physically and affects the physiological system. In long run it dampens physical alertness and makes our body a hatchery for various physical ailments such as high blood pressure, metabolic disorders (like diabetes, indigestion & impotency) and increased incidences of cold and flu. Prolonged stress can be observed in post traumatic stress disorders, major depression and in some cases aging, lack of appetite, severe hair loss etc. However, the significant brunt is on the mental health. It kills your zeal, the ability to do things you enjoy, and it creates a deep fissure in your positive thinking pattern which can really be hazardous, eventually leading to state of loneliness, addiction, violent behaviour etc seeping inside you like a slow poison.
There is good news though. There are ways to tackle stress. As is rightly said, “a stitch in time saves nine”, stress too can be handled effectively when curative actions are taken adequately and appropriately.
Our response to stress depends on many factors like genetic inheritance, family & childhood experiences, overall physical & mental health and our perception of stress. It has been medically proved that our thoughts and emotions influence our health – body is the state of mind. This is so because there is a strong physical link between brain and the immune system.
I wish to emphasize again that stress does not originate from air or water or plants or anything around us. Stress is seated within us and it entirely depends on us when and how much of it to liberate. So as stress originates from within us, we should make an attempt from within to eliminate it. And this is simple. Controlled behaviour and attitude can do the miracle. Our mind is the mirror of the self, and responds in the manner we think. An individual’s well being plays a crucial role in successful adjustment. Positive attitude and behavior are vital for mind and body. So it’s well said, heaven and hell reside in the person’s mind; it depends entirely on that person which side he/she wants to fall and lead a life.
However, let me also leave you with a perspective that stress is always not harmful. Anything in controlled manner and moderation is good, we all have been taught of this since our childhood and possibly many of us have practiced and experienced it too. Short term stress has its benefits. Little anxiety and work pressure enhances the performance of an individual. It has a positive impact as it leads to more dedicated effort from an individual who strives for higher achievement levels. Also, sometimes acute stress is good for gearing up body’s immune system.
Use “Stress” in another standpoint. Change the meaning of “stress” in your life to “being assertive”. Stress on the importance of living not just existing, stress on achieving success & excellence, stress on leading a life full of happiness & contentment.
Have a good life! It’s fun!
- Pragyan Jha
(Pragyan Jha is a qualified psychologist & practicing counsellor in Pune)
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