Stress & Anxiety Management

Stress is defined as a feeling of emotional or physical tension. Emotional stress usually occurs when situations are considered difficult or unmanageable. Therefore, different people consider different situations as stressful.

Physical stress refers to a physical reaction of the body to various triggers. The pain experienced after surgery is an example of physical stress. Physical stress often leads to emotional stress, and emotional stress is frequently experienced as physical discomfort (e.g., stomach cramps).

Stress management refers to various efforts to control and reduce the tension that occurs in stressful situations (see also Stress in Childhood).

Stress management involves making emotional and physical changes. The degree of stress and the desire to make the changes will determine the level of change that will take place.

ASSESSING THE EXISTENCE OF STRESS

Attitude: The attitude of an individual can influence whether a situation or emotion is stressful or not. Having a negative attitude can predict stress in a person, because this type of person will often report more stress than would someone with a positive attitude.

Physical well-being: A poor diet places the body in a state of physical stress and a weakened immune system. As a result, the person can be more susceptible to infections. A poordiet can be related to unhealthy food choices, not eating enough, or an unpredictable eating schedule. A nutritionally unbalanced eating pattern can result in not getting enough nutrients.

This form of physical stress also decreases the ability to deal with emotional stress, because malnutrition will affect the way our brain processes information.

Physical activity: Not enough physical activity can result in a stressful state for the body. Physical activity has many benefits. A consistent program of physical activity can contribute to a decrease in depression, if it exists. It also improves the feeling of well-being.

Support systems: Most everyone needs someone in their life whom they can rely on when they are having a hard time. Minimal or absent support systems make stressful situations more difficult to deal with.