Embracing Stress: Navigating Challenges for Growth and Resilience Part 1

 

Introduction

In this blog post, I'm opening up and sharing some insights I've gained from my recent experiences. I aim to connect with anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of school and responsibilities, offering guidance on how to destress and find some breathing room. The format will be question-and-answer, so stay tuned as we explore together. 

Interviewer: How do you personally interpret stress?

The Wellness Warrior: Stress means pressure or strain. It arises as the body reacts to difficult or demanding circumstances, involving a combination of physical, behavioural, and psychological responses (allostasis) to perceived challenges or pressures. It can manifest as sensations of tension, concern, or restlessness, frequently occurring alongside a feeling of being inundated by either external or internal stress factors. These manifestations are called stress response also known as allostasis.

Interviewer: Differentiate between negative and positive stress

The Wellness Warrior: Differentiating between negative stress (distress) and positive stress (eustress) involves assessing the impact on one's well-being and functioning. Positive stress can serve as a motivator, enhancing focus and productivity in response to challenges. However, when stress becomes negative, excessive or chronic, it can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression. Monitoring physical and emotional symptoms, as well as evaluating the balance between stress and coping resources, can help individuals determine whether stress levels are manageable or require intervention.

In summary, while negative stress can have adverse effects on health and well-being, positive stress can catalyse growth and achievement when approached with resilience and effective coping strategies.

Interviewer: Give some examples of negative and positive stressors

The Wellness Warrior: Examples of negative stressors include financial problems, relationship conflicts, work pressure, or health concerns. As you continue reading, you'll delve into my encounter stemming from a negative stressor. Prolonged exposure to distress can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, including increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, depression, and burnout.

Examples of eustressors include starting a new job, planning a wedding, participating in sports competitions, or pursuing personal growth opportunities. Unlike distress, eustress can enhance performance, boost resilience, and contribute to overall well-being when managed effectively.

Interviewer: Can you recall a recent situation where you felt particularly stressed? What were the main stressors in that situation?

The Wellness Warrior: I recently made a revealing discovery about myself: when I'm under stress, my irritability peaks. Here's the backstory: I've been deeply engaged in lab work for my project—a research endeavour examining how blood group influences renal function in young adults under exercise-induced stress. The prospect of contributing to advancements in medicine fills me with excitement. However, during the project, my team and I encountered numerous challenges, such as the sudden malfunction of our pulse oximeter. This setback led to delays, leaving several individuals waiting impatiently (some waited patiently) while we resolved the issue. My stressor stemmed from the perceived lack of organisation and the feeling that others were being inconvenienced. Regrettably, on that particular day, I lashed out at a friend. It was only afterwards that I realised the extent of my harsh reaction.

For the sake of knowledge, much like the irritability that marked my reaction, stress can manifest through various symptoms. Physically, it may lead to headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, diarrhoea, weakening of the immune system, and alterations in appetite or sleep patterns. On a psychological level, individuals might encounter anxiety, concentration difficulties, depression, insomnia, or feelings of helplessness. Moreover, behavioural cues such as heightened substance use, social withdrawal, or procrastination could signal heightened stress levels.

I'm not sure how prevalent it is, but I often find myself experiencing stomach pains during times of stress. Have you ever noticed a similar reaction in yourself?

Interviewer: What role do you think negative stress plays in your daily life? How does it affect your productivity, mood, and overall well-being?

The Wellness Warrior: Stress plays a significant role in my daily life, affecting various aspects of my well-being. When I'm under negative stress, I often find my productivity levels decrease as I struggle to concentrate and stay focused on tasks. Additionally, my mood tends to be more irritable and anxious, which can negatively impact my interactions with others and my overall enjoyment of daily activities. Furthermore, chronic stress can take a toll on my physical health, leading to symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. Overall, managing stress is crucial for maintaining my productivity, mood, and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Allostasis to chronic stress in some individuals may pave the way for conditions like atherosclerosis, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. This emphasizes the urgent need for self-care. If there's one thing to take away from this write-up, it's this: you matter. Prioritizing self-care and self-love doesn't mean neglecting responsibilities but rather acknowledging your worth amidst them.

Keep an eye out for Part 2 as I delve into more questions about stress. I trust you found this as engaging to read as it was for me to write.

References

Joanna. (2022, December 8). What is Negative Stress and Positive Stress? Healthier Steps. https://healthiersteps.com/what-is-negative-stress-and-positive-stress/#:~:text=Negative%20stress%20is%20the%20response%20we%20experience%20when

McEwen, B., & Sapolsky, R. (2006). Validate User. Academic.oup.com. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/91/2/E2/2843213?login=false

Joa