What Exactly is Stress?

What exactly is stress?

We often say, “I have a lot of stress.” But what do we mean?

Sometimes we mean the situation: a deadline, a financial concern, a difficult conversation. Sometimes we mean the feeling: worry, pressure or tension. And sometimes we mean what is happening to us: poor sleep, a racing mind, a tight body or a short temper.

These are connected, but they are not the same thing.

Stress is the response of your mind and body when something demands that you adapt.

Imagine receiving a message: “We need to talk tomorrow.” You do not yet know what the conversation is about. Still, your mind starts considering what it could mean. Your body becomes more alert. You may find yourself returning to the message throughout the day.

The message is the stressor. The changes happening within you are the stress response.

That response has a purpose. It helps you pay attention, prepare and act. Once the situation is resolved, you need an opportunity to settle and recover.

The difficulty begins when pressures keep coming, the response stays active, and recovery becomes too little. You may still be getting through your day while your sleep, patience, concentration or health begins to change.

This is why I encourage people to ask a question before stress becomes overwhelming:

What is happening to me as I deal with what is happening around me?

That is the purpose of your Stress Meter. Notice the early changes. Understand what is putting pressure on you. Take a useful step while you still can.

Don’t wait for RED. Learn to notice YELLOW.

— Nelson Negi
COPLER | Human Formation

Learn to Proactively Manage Stress