The Stressful Situation

So, this week I didn’t overhear anything fascinating. I didn’t hear one particular line that set my mind in motion and caused me to over-analyze. What I did hear though is an interesting topic to dissect.

While doing work in the HUB, I heard a group of girls complaining about being stressed. Even though it’s been four days since we had Spring break, the girls whined that they already have too much work.

I don’t judge them at all, though. I hate stress. When I was younger, my sister would get so stressed that her immune system would weaken, and she’d get sick.

Stress has always been a villain in my eyes.

Well, stress is annoying. Stress can make a person physically ill. It can diminish the immune system and dry out the digestive tract. It impairs the memory and can lead to anxiety. An article in Psychology Today (March 2012) states that in can even gnaw away at the ends of chromosomes and in turn accelerate cellular aging. 

Yet, we need stress. We couldn’t exist without it. Stress keeps us engaged from moment to moment. It is the reason we wake up in the morning and when, at a good level, can give us a sense of control over events in question – though we rarely think of stress in such a way.

It is all about maintaining stress at a good level. Good stress is since in situations when in a situation of high tension, yet you’re aware that everything will be alright in the end. Psychology Today cites a roller coaster ride as an example: "it may send your stress-hormone levels soaring, but you know the ride will be over in minutes." This is explained as "voluntarily relinquishing a degree of control and predictability in a setting that is benevolent overall."


So, there can be a good level of stress. The trouble is finding that level and maintaining it.