MANAGING STRESS
WHAT IS STRESS? (I) Stress is Pressure or tension exerted on a material object. (ii) it is a state of
mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstance. According
to World Health Organization (W.H.O), Stress is our psychological and physiological reaction to an
event or condition that is considered a threat or challenge. It is natural and normal to be stressed
sometimes but long-term stress can cause physical and emotional symptoms as well as unhealthy
behaviours.
SIGNS OF STRESS
Aches and pains, chest pains, anxiety, depression, exhaustion or trouble sleeping, weak immune
system, clenching, panic attacks, headaches, dizziness or shaking, high blood pressure, nervousness
uninterested in life, faster heart and breathing rate, increased perspiration, feeling restless, being
easily startled, feeling tense, etc.
CAUSES OF STRESS
EXTERNAL FACTORS like cigarettes, coffee, refined sugar, salt etc
INTERNAL FACTORS like anger, fear, frustration, excessive excitement etc
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS like exhaust fumes, exposure to heat/cold, pollution
OTHER CAUSES INCLUDE job overload, role conflict, job insecurity, role ambiguity, poor working
condition, deadlines, relationship issues, family challenges, financial pressure, when our basic needs
are not being met and many more.
TYPES OF STRESS
ACUTE STRESS :- This kind of stress is common to everyone at one point or the other. It’s the
body’s quick reaction to a new and challenging situation. Stressful situations provide the body and
brain with the practice of developing the best response to future stressful situations.
EPISODIC ACUTE STRESS :- This situation occurs when one has frequent episodes of acute stress.
It has effect on someone’s physical and mental health. It occurs if a person is often worried about
things they suppose may happen soon.
CHRONIC STRESS :- This occurs when one experiences high stress levels for a long time. It may
lead to heath issues if left to fester unchecked.
Stress could be positive or negative. Positive stress stimulates and enriches life. It leads to
fulfillment and achievement of goals and objectives. It is also good for challenges, like work
challenges, meeting deadlines, examination etc. Negative stress is persistent pressure which leads
to lack of productivity, inefficiency, breakdown in health and other stress related disorders.
HOW TO PREVENT STRESS:- We may deal with stress in many ways such as maintaining a
balanced life at home and work, downsizing our expectations, prioritizing responsibilities and
delegating when necessary, avoiding reckless living, sharing our worries, avoiding to focus on many
things at the same time, setting small targets that are easily achievable etc. Stress can be prevented
if we key into Biblical admonitions on how to avoid stressful situations. Philippians 4:6 says, “ Do not
be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
your request be made known to God”. Prayer has the capacity to eradicate anxiety and bring peace
which transcends all understanding to anyone who faithfully engages in it. You need to turn to God
in moments of stress. He is the ever-present help in times of trouble. Isaiah 43:2 says, ‘When you
pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep
over you: when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze’.
What an assurances from the most High!
In moments of anxiety or panic, it can be helpful to remember that no matter what we are facing in life
that is causing anxiety, God’s plan and vision for His children is bigger, much bigger than we can
imagine. Always remember that the Lord is with you in the midst of that stressful situation. Do not
worry, Matt 6:34 says unto us, ‘Do not worry about tomorrow…….’ Just turn to God in prayer,
meditate on His word more, praise, worship and thank God more . Leave the rest unto Him and He
will give you all round rest.
MR EDWARD
PRINCIPAL, DAYSTAR COLLEGE.