Relax Within ~ Jan R. Markle

What is Stress?

In order to use techniques to cope with stress, we need to recognize stress.

We all talk about being stressed out but when you stop to think about it -- what is stress?

The term stress comes from physics and engineering, meaning "application of sufficient force to an object to distort or deform it".

Stress is:

A perceived threat or danger

Any change requiring you to adapt, as small as a door slamming or as large as the loss of a loved one

Any situation requiring more coping skill than you think you have available

Any deadline

Any loss of control

Certain elements increase the perception of stress:

Lack of control

Lack of predictability

Time pressures

Lack of support, too much responsibillity

Lack of outlets for frustration