Webster’s Dictionary defines stress as, “a state of mental, emotional or physical strain.”  Generally, we use the word, “stress” when we are feeling that issues in our life are too intense, too much, too hard to handle.  We seem to be on overload.  Stress is issues, situations and conditions that affect us negatively and cause us to wonder if we can “cope.”

Stress is not always a bad thing.  Stress in small amounts help us feel alert, gives us energy and prepares us for a challenge.  We feel “pumped” and ready to go.  But stress over a long period of time eventually works in an opposite manner.  It wears us down, exhausts us and makes us feel hopeless.

Stress in its physiological form is the body’s way to respond to a temporary emergency.  Also known as the “Flight/Fight Response” it prepares us to protect ourselves and survive.  In our modern society, however, stressors can be long lasting and ongoing.  We have long periods of time in a “readiness mode” with no relief in sight.

What Causes Stress?

Many things in our life can cause us stress and stress is a very individual feeling.  What might be a stressor for one person might not be a stressor for another.  Stressors include: Continue Reading…