What is Stress? The word 'stress' is defi ned by the Oxford Dictionary as "a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy" which can disturb the normal physical and mental health of an individual. This demand on mind-body occurs when it tries to cope with changes in our lives. Extreme stress conditions, psychologists say, are detrimental to human health but in moderation stress is normal and, in many cases, proves useful. Stress, nonetheless, is generally linked with negative conditions. Causes of stress are known as stressors. Stressors can be physical or emotional, internally or externally generated. Stressors can be events, situations, people or demands the individual perceives to be the source of stress.
The most common stressor is change, such as loss of a loved one; career change; illness or injury and lifestyle changes. Stressors also vary amongst people; children, teens and adults are all capable of experiencing stress yet there are some stressors that are specifi c to the age or type of person – hence sometimes we don't understand why some people get stressed in situations in which others thrive.

How does stress manifest in our bodies? Our bodies are amazing machines. In a challenging situation the brain prepares the body for defensive action—the fi ght or fl ight response by releasing stress hormones, namely, cortisone and adrenaline. These hormones raise the blood pressure and the body prepares to react to the situation. With a concrete defensive action (fi ght response) the stress hormones in the blood get used up, ultimately reducing stress effects and symptoms of anxiety. When we fail to counter a stress situation (fl ight response) the hormones and chemicals remain unreleased in the blood stream for a long period of time. It results in stress related physical symptoms, such as tense muscles, unfocused anxiety, dizziness and rapid heartbeats. We all encountervarious stressors in everyday life, which can accumulate, if not released. Subsequently, it compels the mind and body to be in an almost constant alarm-state in preparation to fi ght or fl ee.
This state of accumulated stress can increase the risk of both acute and chronic psychosomatic illnesses and weaken the immune system of the human body. Stress can cause headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, eating disorder, allergies, insomnia, back aches, frequent cold and fatigue to diseases such as hypertension, asthma, diabetes, heart ailments and even cancer.

The first signs that indicate someone may be suffering from excessive pressure or stress are changes in behaviour or appearance. So here's a brief guide on what to look for (although note this list is not exhaustive, and not exclusive to stress indicators)


Stress or Pressure?
Methods of coping with stress are aplenty. The most signifi cant or sensible way out is a change in lifestyle. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, physical exercises, listening to soothing music, deep breathing, various natural and alternative methods, personal growth techniques, visualisation and massage are some of the most effective of the known non-invasive stress busters.
The words 'positive' and 'stress' may not often go together. But, there are innumerable instances of, for example, athletes rising to the challenge of stress and achieving the unachievable, likewise I am sure each person reading this article could think of a situation where they have pushed themselves to the limit and survived and thrived on it. Psychologists second the opinion that some 'stress' situations can actually boost our inner potential and can be creatively helpful.
Experts tell us that stress, in moderate doses, is necessary in our lives. Stress is, perhaps, necessary to occasionally clear cobwebs from our thinking. If approached positively, stress can help us evolve as a person by letting go of unwanted thoughts and principles in our lives that hold us back. Very often, at various crossroads of life, stress may remind you of the transitory nature of your experiences, and may prod you to look for the true happiness of life.

Remember: change is good and necessary – we are not stagnant beings! So next time you feel a stressful moment coming on, take some time to look inwards to see what the triggers are, focus on resolution and move on.

Warning: Stress can cause severe health problems and, in extreme cases, can cause death. While the stress management techniques identifi ed in this article have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing stress, they are for guidance only, and readers should take the advice of suitably qualifi ed health professionals if they have any concerns over stress-related illnesses or if stress is causing signifi cant or persistent unhappiness. Health professionals should also be consulted before any major change in diet or levels of exercise.