What Is Stress?

We all talk about stress, but what does it actually mean?

People use the term stress to describe the feeling they have when it all seems too much, when they are overloaded and don't feel that they are able to meet all the demands placed upon them.

That's not to say that a bit of pressure isn't good for you. Some pressure is inevitable. But it's important to know the difference between pressure and stress. Problems arise when the pressure you're under is more than you are able to cope with.

The graph here shows that there is an ‘optimum' point – where you have enough pressure to perform, but not so much that you get overloaded. Everyone's optimum point is different and learning where yours is can be important.

 

How do you know you're stressed?

Emotional	Thoughts	Behaviour	Physical
Being in a bad mood Feeling upset Feeling angry Feeling impatient Feeling hopeless	I can't do this I'll never finish I can't cope Mind racing	Rushing around Starting tasks and not finishing them Not being able to concentrate Shouting Waking up too early in the morning	Feeling hot Heart beating fast Sweating Stomach ache Headache

 

Signs of stress for parents and friends

 

What you can do

1. Give yourself some space

If you start to feel that you're getting stressed – take a step back. Give yourself some space, take some time every day doing something you enjoy and not thinking about anything else.

Impossible! Most people will claim.

Not so. Everyone has 15 minutes in a day that they can reserve for themselves. It might just be a walk round the block, a bit of gardening or a bath with the door locked and some earplugs in. The important thing is that you get the time to yourself for yourself.

 

2. Know your limits

If your expectations of yourself are always sky high you will inevitably spend a great deal of time being disappointed and frustrated. Instead, be realistic in what you can achieve and celebrate success at every opportunity.

Remember that you are entitled to breaks and days off – take them. And make sure you get a reasonable amount of sleep.

Not taking on too much, accepting offers of help from others and doing one thing at a time are ways to prevent stress.

 

3. Learn to relax physically

Believe it or not, being able to relax your body is a skill. You must teach yourself to do it effectively and once you do, it can be very powerful.

Relaxation is best done every day and at a time and place where you will not be disturbed.

People relax in different ways. For some, physical exercise is a way of relaxing. Try walking, running, dancing, or sport. Others may prefer to sit quietly and go through a relaxation exercise. Try different things to find what's right for you. But try not to overdo it on the booze or other substances.

 

4. Talk

If things do feel like they're getting on top of you, perhaps you could consider the most difficult of all things -talking.

Speak to someone you trust, outside or inside your work about the things that are causing you stress.

There is support available - use it. There's other sources of help on our useful links page.

 

Across the UK, you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland) for the price of a local call.  You can text in the UK on 07725 90 90 90 (0872 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland). You can also write to Samaritans at Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA, send an e-mail to jo@samaritans.org or if you are deaf or hard of hearing use the single national minicom number 08457 90 91 92 (1850 60 90 91 in the Republic of Ireland).