What is Stress? Part 2

We all know what stress feels like.....

But what is stress? How does it effect us? What does it do to our bodies and health? And why on earth do we have it in the first place?

Stress is a confusing concept!

You might think of it as:

• A difficult situation.
• Like an overbearing boss. A traffic jam. Or perhaps childcare.
• Physical symptoms.
• Like sweaty palms or breathlessness.
• Something bad.

The Real Meaning of Stress?

Hans Seyle (who coined the term) says it:

• Is your reaction to your situation
• Can be good or bad - it all depends on the amount.
• There is an optimum range where you perform best.

Have a look at this Human Performance Curve

It shows how your performance changes with stress.

But what do stress and performance mean?

Stress: This is your response to your situation. Whether it's job stress, social stress or family stress. Not the situation itself. And your response will be individual to you. For instance you may be more upset when your boss shouts at you than your colleague is. But calm singing at a friends wedding.

Performance: This is how well you are able to do whatever you are doing!

So How Does Stress Affect Your Performance?

Too Little – You’re bored here. Not enough stimulation. Your mind will wander. You'll start worrying about other things..

Optimum Your in your comfort zone. Probably doing something familiar. There is some effort. But well within your capabilities. Like this most of the time? Then you'll have good relationships. Be confident and calm.

Too Much - You feel out of control now. You might be angry, anxious feel tense. You're not getting on well with people. You may have some physical symptoms. But you're still able to perform.

Distress - Chronic stress. Things get worse until you're depressed, exhausted and burntout.

So you know what stress is in theory.

But how can you recognise these stress signs and symptoms in yourself. Find out here

Or why not have a look at 5 Effective Ways to Deal With Stress

Or......

Try this Stress Exercise

This will help you understand your stress.And will just take a few moments.

Just sit comfortably. Upright but not stiff. Close enough to the PC to easily read. Theh follow the instructiosn below...

Think back to the last time you felt stressed. Try to picture it in your mind. Maybe you were at home struggling to get the kids ready for school. Or maybe at work dealing with your demanding boss, or desperately trying to meet that deadline.

Wherever it was, try to picture the scene in you mind now in as much detail as you can.

Really try to remember as much as you can. Where were you? What time of day was it? What was causing your anxiety? What did you feel like? What were you thinking?

Stay with this for a few moments.......

Do you feel stressed now? How does your body feel? Perhaps there’s a knot in your stomach, or your chest might feel tight. Maybe your heart is racing or your breath feels short?

Stay with these feelings for a few moments more if you can......

Ok relax- well done!

Try the easy meditation techniques

Return to What is Stress: Part 1

Return from What is Stress: Part 2 to Learning Modern Meditation

Photo at top of page by pedrosimoes7