Definition Of Stress

Stress, in its simplest terms, is our REACTION to changes around us. Note the definition does NOT point to the change itself, but our reaction to it.

So, stress is NOT what happens to us, but how we react to it.

That's good news, because, the definition of stress suggests it is something we can control. While we may not be able to control changes around us, we can certainly attempt to control how we REACT to them.

Our reaction determines the effects stress has on our body and mind.

When our brain perceives a change to be a threat to our survival, it releases stress hormones, or cortisol, into our system, to prepare us to FIGHT the change, or if necessary, to FLEE from it.

These hormones are necessary, and are put to good use naturally, if the situation indeed is a real threat for our physical survival. Like when we are attacked by a robber, for instance!

However the unfortunate reality is, most of the situations we run into in our daily lives do not have anything to do with our physical survival.

And consequently, most of these situations DO NOT warrant the release of these stress hormones into our system.

And yet, because of the importance we consciously or unconsciously assign to these situations, these chemicals, do get released into our system on a daily basis.

And our body reacts the same way to a perceived threat, as it does to a real threat, by releasing equal hormones.

Here are some of the biggest causes of stress in our lives today.

What happens to all these unnecessary stress hormones that are released into our system?

So these stress hormones do not get used up for FIGHTING our threat, or FLEEING from it, which is the reason our body produced them in first place.

So unless we engage ourselves in an activity that involves our physical and mental resources in an equivalent way - like exercise - these released chemicals continue to inhabit our system, and accumulate over time.

Check out the symptoms of stress if you think you have them, but unsure.

How do these hormones that remain in our system affect us?

They impair our judgment, erode our self confidence, and cause us to be irritable and angry all the time.

Stress hormones are one of the most overlooked, but nevertheless, serious causes of memory loss. And worse, sometimes they cause the stress or fear to escalate into panic attacks or anxiety disorders as well.

Follow these THREE rules:

• No Negativity: Control negative thoughts arising out of another person's words or actions.
• Don't Worry: Quit worrying about situations life throws at you.
• Take It Easy: Get into "Take It Easy" mode of life.

Use the above rules to beat stress in its own game, by learning how NOT to react in ways consistent with the definition of stress as outlined earlier.