The definition of stress usually comes as a psychological and physiological events that upset our personal balance in one way or another. It is generally how we feel when pressure is put on us. Stress is a highly subjective matter, though. What may be stressful for you may be pleasurable or enjoyable for others. For instance, you may find commuting stressful because you worry about getting late, but others may enjoy commuting because it would give them time to think things over.

Although the definition of stress is often regarded as something negative, getting stressed also has positive effects. Before an exam, for instance, it makes you study more and not just relax and watch T.V. However, more often than not, it poses negative effects.

Its effects can either be mental, emotional, or physical. Its mental symptoms include inability to concentrate, memory problems, and poor judgment. Restlessness, irritability, and depression are some of its emotional symptoms. Its physical symptoms, on the other hand, include headaches, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, and tinnitus or ringing in the ears.

One of the reasons why unhealthy conditions arise is that when the hypothalamus is exposed to continued stress, it is not able to do its part in the production of chemicals that the body needs in order to function normally. As we know, the hypothalamus is a primitive part of the brain that controls several systems in the body, including the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system.

There are various ways to manage stress. Programs like counseling, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy are helpful. Or, you can just have someone, maybe a friend or a family member to talk to about the stressful situations that you are going through. Also, treatments like acupuncture, meditation, reflexology, and relaxation therapy are being used.

It is undeniable that we are faced with a lot of stressful situations – our work, finances, falling in line in a grocery store, death in the family, and so on. But, we can prevent them from getting into us. To do be able to do that, we have to know each of the things that stresses us.

If you feel that you are about to get stressed, inhale for about three seconds, then exhale for a bit longer. It will help improve your circulation as the older oxygen from your lungs is replaced with fresh oxygen. Proper diet also plays an important role, as what you eat and drink impact the way you feel and act. Furthermore, while exercise improves blood circulation, it is another way of releasing our frustrations.

Either way we look at the definition of stress, we should take efforts to control it and not the other way around.