Imagine preparing for a big presentation at work, feeling a rush of adrenaline that sharpens your focus and drives you to perform at your best. Now picture a sleepless night spent worrying about deadlines, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed. These contrasting experiences illustrate the complex nature of stress. It can motivate us to excel or leave us feeling trapped and anxious. This dual nature of stress raises an important question: is stress good or bad? 

In this article, we’ll explore the causes and complexities of stress, examining its positive and negative aspects, and how we can harness it to enhance our lives.

Stress is a common aspect of modern life, stemming from various sources like work, financial pressures or relationships. You may feel stressed when you are under mental, physical or emotional pressure. Stress is in two types;

• Acute stress- short-term stress that goes away quickly. For example, getting into a fight with someone, or starting a new job.
• Chronic stress- the type of stress that lasts for a longer period of time. For example, a loved one diagnosed with a chronic illness or being in an unhealthy relationship.

These stress reactions are caused by stressors which are of two types; environmental stressors and psychological stressors. 

Environmental stressors refer to aspects of one’s surroundings that increase the stress level in their life. These can include catastrophes- unpredictable events that happen on large scales, and major life changes such as losing a job, going through a breakup or divorce. This also includes daily hassles like delays, minor disagreements or frustrating situations. For some people, exposure to large crowds and loud noises can be very stressful too.

Psychological stressors trigger stress responses by affecting our mental and emotional well-being. These include factors such as pressure, which is produced by urgent demands or expectations coming from an outside source, uncertainty and change which refers to the lack of control about the future which can cause anxiety and stress, and frustration.

In addition, perfectionism and self-expectations like setting unrealistically high standards for oneself can lead to chronic stress and disappointment.

Understanding these stressors can help individuals identify the sources of their stress and develop effective coping strategies to manage them.

Stress is often viewed through a negative lens. We have all heard the warnings about its harmful effects on our health and well-being. These effects include headaches, heart problems and weakened immune responses. Stress can also affect our mental health which can lead to anxiety, depression, etc. and cause changes in your sleep patterns.

However, stress can also be viewed through a positive lens. It can also serve as a powerful motivator, making us productive and enhancing performance in various settings like sports and work; pushing us to meet deadlines, overcome challenges, and adapt to new situations. 

There are two types of people when it comes to dealing with any situation; optimists- people who expect positive outcomes, and pessimists- people who expect negative outcomes. It is up to you to decide who you want to be when facing a stressful situation. 

When it comes to coping with a stressful situation, there are two styles of coping;

• Emotion-focused coping- this attempts to reduce emotional responsiveness rather than dealing with the stressor directly
• Problem-focused coping- this attempts to confront the stressor directly

For emotion-focused coping, practising mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help centre your thoughts and reduce anxiety in the moment. Additionally, physical activity, whether it is a long walk or a workout, releases endorphins that boost mood and lower stress levels. 
For problem-focused coping, firstly we need to identify the problem causing the stress. Next, plan and organise by developing a step-by-step plan to tackle the problem. Take action by implementing the planned solutions whether it is through direct confrontation, negotiation, or making necessary changes. Time management is the key where you prioritise tasks and setting deadlines which can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. In addition, you can also seek support from colleagues, friends, or professionals.

It is important to keep a balance between managing self, managing work, and managing people. Set realistic goals and break tasks into manageable steps. When managing self, make sure you take care of your physical and mental well-being, engaging in hobbies, and get enough rest. Maintain a strong support network; talking to friends or family can provide emotional relief.

Stress is a part of life that we all experience, but understanding it can help us manage it better. By recognising what causes our stress and using simple coping strategies, like problem-solving or talking to friends, we can reduce its impact. Instead of letting stress control us, we can use it to grow and improve. With the right methods, we can lead healthier, happier lives despite the challenges we come across in life.