Stress. We’ve all been affected by it before. Whether it is cramming for a test, practicing for a performance, or even socializing with others, stress is an ever-present constant in daily life. Generally viewed as an injurious feeling, is it truly as adverse as people make it out to be? Just how detrimental is stress?

What is Stress?  

Stress /stres/ (noun):
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as “a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Biologically, stress is the result of the brain sending hormones throughout the body in an effort to protect a person from a perceived threat. These hormones cause the body to exhibit a fight-or-flight response: quick heartbeats, tense muscles, and a spike in energy.
Initially used by humanity’s ancestors as a defense mechanism to evade predators, our body’s natural alarm system sometimes struggles to become accustomed to the comparatively protected lives we live now. While asking someone out for a date is completely different than being eaten alive, our brains will register it as “threat” and trigger the alarm system, thus causing stress.

Types of Stress
Given its rough reputation, stress typically isn’t favorable. Contrary to popular belief, however, stress provides its fair share of benefits when taken in moderate amounts. Acute stress is defined as stresses from small, daily activities. Worried that you haven’t studied enough for the test tomorrow? Concerned about your presentation next week? Bothered by the fact that you haven’t finished the essay that’s due in an hour? That’s acute stress. This type of stress comes rather suddenly but fades equally as fast. Acute stress helps stimulate alertness in the brain, leading to improvements in concentration and performance. It also acts as a reminder for deadlines or events.
On the other end of the spectrum, chronic stress is the unfavorable kind of stress. Chronic stress, as the name suggests, is the feeling of stress over a prolonged period of time. The longer one has been under chronic stress, the more damage is done to the body and mind. Chronic stress is typically caused by a specific event in someone’s life. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, political conflicts, and relationship troubles are all examples of triggers of chronic stress. This type of stress is more taxing on the mind and body; it can induce fatigue, headaches, feelings of irritability, the inability to focus, and even depression. Chronic stress may also affect a person’s immune system, making it harder to prevent or overcome other illnesses. In some cases, chronic stress can cause one to be at greater risk of high blood pressure, insomnia, and heart attacks. Mentally, chronic stress can lead to anxiety and mood swings, which can impact relationships and performance at school or a job.

 
So there is “good” stress and “bad” stress. What are some ways to manage or treat these types of stresses?

Exercising can relieve one from stress. An active lifestyle causes the body to produce more serotonin, allowing one to feel more calm and happy as opposed to feeling strained. Reducing the intake of caffeine can also help with managing stress. Caffeine would only increase the stimulation on the brain, making one feel more exhausted. Forming connections with others and talking to friends and family are other great ways as well. Knowing that one could rely on the help of others can alleviate some of their stress. When it comes to chronic stress, however, going to therapy is the best way to overcome stress. Through working with a professional and listening to their guidance, one can learn how to deal with stress more effectively.