What is stress?

So, what is stress really? Some people thrive on it, others crumble and want to run away and hide.

The medical profession tells us that some stress is good. So, how can we tell when enough stress is …… enough?

Let’s look at what stress is. Stress is a psychological & physiological response to external demands or pressures, often referred to as stressors. These can be caused by factors such as relationships, work, financial issues or life events. While some stress can be a positive thing, helping you meet your daily goals and motivating you, when it becomes overwhelming or chronic it can have an adverse effect on your mental health.

Excessive or prolonged stress can contribute to the development of conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, make decisions or solve problems effectively.

Chronic stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leaving you tired and irritable. It can affect appetite, social relationships and even leave you withdrawn and emotional. It is important to recognise the signs of stress and take steps to manage it effectively. You can practice stress-reducing techniques such as exercise, relaxation, mindfulness or meditation. Support from family and friends or mental health professionals is key.

Next time, I’ll talk about the importance of recognising bad stress & how to combat  it.