What is stress? Here are some definitions and ways to identify it
What is stress?
A business comparison to stress is demand and supply. Just like there should be a demand to focus on supply, there are reasons that create stress. Stress is the mental or emotional strain caused by demanding or adverse circumstances. There are some obvious and less-obvious factors that contribute to stress.
Hans Salye defined stress as ‘Body’s non-specific response to a demand placed on it”. An athlete needs to put a certain amount of stress on their muscles to get stronger. We humans are made to withstand a reasonable amount of stress. So, stress is not totally unnatural. However, just like a rubber band, we have our limits. If pushed too far, our response to the demands placed on us will break us apart.
Causes of stress can be different from person to person. The causes can vary from: a busy work schedule, a demanding boss, relationship problems to health issues. What causes stress for one person may not cause stress to another. So, a bit of soul searching and mindfulness is required to really narrow down the causes of stress.
There are two kinds of stress
Positive stress is called ‘Eustress’. It is healthy, creative and joyful way of growth and expansion, testing one’s abilities, acquiring new skills and broadening horizons.
The negative aspect of stress, called ‘Distress’ is what we often refer to as stress. It interferes with performance and creates negative emotions, hopelessness, vulnerability and frustration.
The negative effects of stress can also be explained scientifically. The normal style of metabolism that builds the body called anabolic metabolism converts to it opposite, catabolic metabolism, which breaks down tissues. Adrenaline launches a cascade of responses – blood pressure rises, muscles tense up, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, sexual desire and hunger are suppressed, digestion stops, brain becomes hyper alert and the senses uncannily clear. So, as a temporary expedient, the stress response is vital, but if it is not terminated in time, the effects of catabolic metabolism are disastrous.
Stress will exist; awareness can help you overcome it
Yoga is a skillful trick to calm down the mind. Quite often, we are not aware of ourselves. We are ignorant of our own limitations and potentials. We take stimulants like coffee, tea, etc., and call it relaxing. Knowing how to identify a problem is the first step towards finding a solution. So let’s look at some examples of how stress can affect us:
· High muscle tone evidenced by stiff muscles in several parts of the body. (Neck. Arms, back, legs etc)
· Increased pulse rate (Normal around 70/) and high blood pressure (Normal 120/80)
· High breathing rate (Normal 15-20/M)
· Periodic out bursts of anger, fear, depression etc.
· General irritability and boredom.
· Restlessness, lack of concentration and decreasing quality in thinking.
A regular yoga practice will make you more aware. When you get deeper into your practice, you will start paying more attention to your life, situations and emotions.
Whatever the cause may be, identifying the triggers is a good starting point to dealing with stress. Whether it’s a stress ball, a walk in the park, a mid day meditation session, identifying and taking measures to deal with stress is better than letting it affect your life.
A regular yoga practice and meditation can help you identify your triggers by making you more aware of your body and your reactions to situations. As it is with most things in life, if a person or a situation is constantly making you tensed, perhaps it’s time for you to move on. Removing yourself from toxic environments and toxic possibilities is different from running away from your problems!
Life can be challenging. And one should face life’s challenges and overcome them. However, health and quality of life also matter. You can’t win a race if you over train yourself and make yourself susceptible to injury. To win a race you need to be physically and mentally ready. So, the next time you feel stressed, take a minute or two and bring awareness to how it happened. Was it something that someone said or did? Was it because of your workload? It could be a combination or all because of the fact that you are unhappy about your life.
Lastly, don’t think of stress as a totally negative thing. Sometimes it’s an indicator that you need change. Maybe you need to change your lifestyle or your job. Or both! The important thing is that you recognize the cause and take steps to overcome it. You may be going through growing pains. So, the next time you feel stressed, take a deep breath and see what your body and mind is telling you. No one knows what’s going on inside of you than yourself!
To learn more about breathing practices that can help you manage your stress, read my article on Pranayama (breathing techniques).