What is stress?

             

Concept of stress has it's origin in physics and engineering.

Stress: Force or pressure exerted upon a material object

Strain:  Reaction of the object to the force exerted.

This concept was borrowed in life sciences by Hans Selye in 1936

Stress means different things to different people. For a businessman it is fear of loss. For an exam going student it is a problem of concentration,for an athlete it is anxiety of performance, for an executive it is the fear of failure and being sidetracked, for a patient it is fear of pain and suffering.

But in all these situations there is an identical biochemical response,which helps to cope with the increase demand or threat.

Stress is of 2 types;

Eu-stress (good stress)

Distress (Bad stress)  

Eu-stress:

Game of chess

An athlete in a competition

Pursuit of new occupation

Joy of creation

Making love

In all these situations the outcome is pleasant and it is rewarding.It helps to avoid danger or meet a deadline. The stress makes us organised and improves our performance. Eu-stress is desirable,beneficial and healthy.

Distress (bad stress):

It occurs due to various life situations in business, health, marriage,and natural calamities.It increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, stomach ulcers,and mental illnesses. 

There are a few lucky ones who have a eu-stress in their life, but majority are facing a distress.

Stress arises from different life situations: 

• Domestic (maximum impact)

• Unemployment

• Threat of losing job

• Job dissatisfaction

• poor housing

Domestic situations create a maximum amount of stress. It involves a conflict with spouse,parents,or children. 

It means that maximum stress is given to you by your near and dear ones. Strangers have no time and interest in you.