‘stress’ brings to conjures up unpleasant
feelings. However, many of those in the field of psychology are
of the opinion that stress is something that can have positive
effects.
Why the disconnect?
Essentially the answers lie in how each individual person
evaluates their own mental and physical well being.
Perhaps some examples could help to make bring this point home.
For instance, assume two people, one a championship caliber
athlete or performer, the other a college senior about to take
a final test. The athlete or performer has been training most
of their life for tasks that they perform; and let’s say in our
case, the student has hardly cracked a book or studied at all
for the impending test.
From a strictly a physiological point of view both individuals
will be experiencing similar effects – raised heartbeat and
breathing, higher metabolism, active sweat glands and so forth.
Psychologically, there are also similarities – increased
concentration on the task at hand and focus on the next few
minutes, clear images and heightened sensitivity to feelings.
However, there are key differences, at least psychologically
speaking. The athlete is uses these feelings to their advantage
to gain razor sharp focus, ready to tackle challenge, and
confident in his ability to exhibit his prowess and dominate
the contest.
The senior=D6 not so fortunate=D6 probably experiencing doubt and
fear.
In either of the cases it’s reasonable to say that there is a
definite element of stress involved. And one would also
conclude that both individuals are feeling stressful.
It is the differences that are the key.
The athlete mentally processes his scenario as a challenge that
he welcomes and is confident in his ability to tackle. One the
other hand, the senior is well aware of the fact that he has
poorly prepared and understands the ramifications his impending
failure – i.e. a lowered grade and possible having to retake the
class.
In both cases the individuals are uncertain of the outcome, but
each evaluates the odds of success differently… as would each
also project the outcome of failure differently.
The athlete may wind up short of a victory or first place
finish; which may be disappointing but still the overall
picture is one of a successful season or performance.
The senior, on the other hand may see his chances for getting
into a good graduate school slipping away. In fact, he may have
to ultimately pass this class before he can even graduate.
Needless to say, the examples are very basic, but the premise
is accurate.
How you process various events will leave you feeling stressed
or simply one of life’s challenges that you know you can
handle.
You can see by these two examples that there are actually two
definitions of the word ‘stress’ that sometimes get
interchanged.
One refers to a heightened awareness and the physiological
symptoms described above.
The other is adds the element of worry and those symptoms.
The latter is the one that can have negative health
consequences that under certain circumstances can even be
physically harmful.
We as humans are tethered to both our mind and our body and the
two aspects affect one another, the psychological part is just
as important.
About The Author: For more important information on coping with
and managing stress and depression be sure to visit
http://www.0-stress.com where you will find advice and tips on
managing and eliminating stress, depression, anxiety, phobias,
and more
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