What is Stress?
Stress can be anything – a simple threat to one’s pride, not knowing whether you would pass the quiz or not, or life-threatening situation. It is a feeling of strain or pressure.
To be stressed is just a normal as it is part and parcel of our life. It affects people regardless. It can be categorized as either good or bad.
Good Stress – it propels us to perform well in our endeavors; it helps bring out the best in us.
Bad Stress – it hinders us from functioning well; it may result in distress or a condition in which one can no longer respond to the challenges in life.
COMMON SOURCES OF STRESS
1. Physical Appearance
Certain changes in the physical features of an individual such as height, weight, body figure, skin problems, etc.
2. School/Academic Pressure
These are recitation, daily seatwork, quiz, etc.
3. Family/Home
Changes in family situations such as separation of parents. Conflict with parents, sibling rivalry and the obligations.
4. Social/Peer Pressure
Stress from his/her friends. Pressure to cut classes, to smoke, to experiment with alcohol, drugs, bullying or harassment.
5. Loss
Loss of loved ones (family member, relative, friend can create stress), separation from much loved work that can lose self-worth, to socialize or attend to class.
6. Frustration
Failure to reach goals or carry out plan result in stress.
7. Romantic Relationship
Having a boyfriend/girlfriend and not having one generate stress among teenagers. They deal with love quarrels, argument, conflict and disagreement.
8. Future
Not knowing what one really wants to be in the future can be stressful. Unable to attain your wants due to factors can be stressful.
EFFECTS OF STRESS
1. Physical - Increasing of heartrate, blood pressure.
2. Emotional - Stressed persons may feel bad about themselves and are usually not in the mood to socialize.
3. Cognitive - The thoughts of stressed individuals are filled with worrying. As a result, they commonly become forgetful and disorganized.
4. Behavioral - Some stressed people lose appetite while others tend to overeat.
COMMON COPING STRATEGIES
1. Problem-focused -This may include trying to analyze the situation and making extra effort or working harder to solve the problem.
2. Emotion-focused - This approach encompasses concentrating on one’s feeling or emotion brought about the stress instead of facing the actual source of stress.
OTHER TIPS ON COPING WITH STRESS
1. Engaging in physical activities
2. Doing activities that are relaxing
3. Acquiring social support
4. Getting ample rest and sleep
5. Being realistic
6. Thinking positively
7. Learning the art of resilience
Philippians 4:6-7 🤍
Comments