An Introduction to Stress

In technical terms stress is a disruption of homeostasis, triggered by either real or perceived physical or psychological stimuli. Simply put an action or thought that disrupts normal balance.

In technical terms stress is a disruption of homeostasis, triggered by either real or perceived physical or psychological stimuli. Simply put an action or thought that disrupts normal balance. Stress is a term that is used often to describe many feelings or emotions. Anxiety, depression, distress, fear, and exhaustion are just some of these and are all feelings that can be described as stress. Stress is something that occurs all the time and affects everyone one way or another at least some of the time. Stress can be a good thing. It can be a source of motivation to help get something done or help one to react quickly to a potentially dangerous situation. The body reacts to stress by releasing more of the hormones cortisol and epinephrine. This stimulates the sympathetic nervous response or the commonly referred to flight or fight response. In some instances this is useful, however if prolonged for too long or occurring too often, it can have negative effects on the body.

Stress that enhances physical or mental function, such as a challenging assignment that you need to complete, winning a race, or upcoming family events such as holidays or a major life event that is positive is referred to as eustress. This is helpful and often rewarding stress.  Stress caused by adverse events or negative feelings of suffering

Foods for Stress

or feeling like in harms way or under threat of being harmed is called distress. Both positive and negative stressors can lead to stress. These stressors can be physical or psychological. They themselves may not be the exact cause of stress as stress is more of a personal interpretation as far as adaptation resulting from personal experiences and the difference between what one might accept and what is expected. One may have preconceived notions on how things are supposed to be and a variance can cause one stress. Many people often internalize events that occur even if they are not personally affected.

There are many factors that contribute to stress. Contributors to stress or stressors range from environmental factors like noise and light to world events such as war and natural disasters. Relationship troubles, work and school and lifestyle choices can all lead to stress. Major life events or changes to ones life are the leading causes of stress as they are the most demanding on personal resources. Such changes include marriage or divorce, pregnancy or the death of a loved one, moving to a new location, changing jobs, etc. Stress can result from feelings or thoughts that one has. What one considers stressful, another may not, and this is why stress is highly individual and personal in nature. Everyone has differing opinions, different ideas about the way things are or are supposed to be and various methods of coping.

Stress affects behavior, the mind and body in many different ways. There are symptoms of stress which like stress itself may vary from person to person in how they are observed or recognized. No matter whom you are too much stress can cause harm both emotionally and physically. 

Natural Stress Cures for Today

09/04/2008
‘The Question of Global Warming’: An Exchange (New York Review of Books)
The New York Review received many letters concerning "The Question of Global Warming" by Freeman Dyson [ NYR , June 12]. Following are comments by William D. Nordhaus, whose book A Question of Balance: Weighing the Options on Global Warming Policies , was reviewed in the article, as well as letters from two other readers, along with a reply by Freeman Dyson.

‘The Question of Global Warming’: An Exchange (New York Review of Books)

09/04/2008
Peek at the Week (Niles Herald-Spectator)
Submissions for Community Calendar are required 10 days preceding the date of publication. Send to: Nicole Wagner, Managing Editor, Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge IL 60068. Information may be faxed to (847) 696-3229 or e-mailed to nwagner@pioneerlocal.com.

Peek at the Week (Niles Herald-Spectator)

08/23/2008
Post a Comment (Stuff)
Alternative medicine: Cure or comfort? Kathleen McMahon swears by chiropracty. "I come out and I want to dance. You want to jump for joy because everything feels in line."

Post a Comment (Stuff)

08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.

Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)

08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.

Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)

08/15/2008
Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)
The Edison-Norwood Times Review welcomes items for our Community Calendar. Items must be received a minimum of 10 days prior to publication, but earlier is better. Items are printed as space allows, and publication is not guaranteed. E-mail items to parkridge@pioneerlocal.com; fax to (847) 696-3229; or mail to: Pioneer Press, 130 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL, 60068.

Community Calendar (Edison-Norwood Times Review)

08/23/2008
Post a Comment (Stuff)
Alternative medicine: Cure or comfort? Kathleen McMahon swears by chiropracty. "I come out and I want to dance. You want to jump for joy because everything feels in line."

Post a Comment (Stuff)

08/18/2008
Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)
Many Canadians hold negative attitudes towards people with mental health issues, says a new poll released Monday by the Canadian Medical Association.

Many Canadians stigmatize mentally ill, poll finds (CTV Winnipeg)