Hu345 Unit 8 Project

Positive Stress

In the world we live in today, few people can escape stress, for multiple reasons such as the economy, jobs or lack of jobs, transportation, family obligations, etc. Although most believe that stress is very bad for you, there are times when it can be good for you. Stress can enhance our abilities to meet a deadline, such as an exam. Stress activates hormones to our bodies to give us a "fight or flight" response (Weaver, J., 2006). There are many ways to overcome stress so that it does not have negative affects on our bodies.

The opposing position would say that there is not any kind of "good" stress. Most people believe that stress is only harmful for us, no matter what amount of stress there is. Many believe that stress will only lead to depression, back pain, headaches, chest pains, upset stomach, sleep problems, etc. (2009).

People should care about stress and how it affects their daily lives. Stress affects everyone, even children. However, instead of wanting to completely rid stress from our lives, we need to understand why we need some amount of stress in order to have balance. Some amount of stress in our lives can motivate us in our jobs and other areas of our life. Learning about the different types of stress will teach how much stress is too much stress and what kind of stress can be healthy for us (Scott, E., M.S., 2008).

While most people would consider any type of stress as bad or harmful, understanding that living completely stress free is equally as harmful for you as too much stress. Stress releases adrenalin and cortisol giving the body strength and energy to "fight or flight" in signs of danger. Our bodies slow down and relax after the danger is gone. This type of stress is healthy and keeps us going. Keeping the overload from occurring is a must and can be managed through stress management techniques such as saying "no", prioritizing, having downtime, recognize overload, and being accountable to someone else...