Stress and Our Reactions.

Stress and Reaction.

That "AHHH" feeling.

From a purely mechanical standpoint stress can be defined as, "Pressure or tension exerted on a material object: "the distribution of stress is uniform across the bar."[1] This is an important definition to me as an engineer and scientist because it allows insight into the language that I understand. However, it is important as a person to be personal; Thus, a less rigid, more biological approach to its definition is desired.

[Catch more after the break]

Parts of the brain that are affected by stress.

Upon further research, Stress can be defined as, "a person's response to a stressor such as an environmental condition or a stimulus. Stress is a body's way to react to a challenge."[2] This is analogous to the mechanical definition by means of action and reaction. Pressure or tension can cause something/someone to move and act a certain way. This I know is true. (We could delve further into the biological response to stress, but I trust this further research to the reader.)

This guy was on a stamp!

What's important when we talk about stress? Well, let's return to the biological definition, "a person's response ... " This is key and it is best stated by Hans Selye, "Its not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it."[3] As a pioneering Hungarian endocrinologist for his time, I trust his opinion can be looked upon with regard. [4]



In my opinion it would seem that stress isn't necessary a source of bad. It too can be used for good in our lives. Perhaps we partly define ourselves, our identity, based upon our stressors and how we use them to achieve our goals, or worse, destroy ourselves.

I guess he likes hammers too.

If we look further to some guidance, we can find that funny man Tim Allen has said, "You don't know what people are really like until they're under a lot of stress."[5] Although a comedian by trade, sometimes this profession and the actors within can be the most honest to our condition.



What do we take home from this discussion of what stresses us? I believe we should take these things with a grain of salt. Over worry, over exert yourself, or be overly anxious; you'll do yourself in. Perhaps we should seek a more constructive outlet to our frustrations and not fret about tomorrow. 

Just chill, tomorrow will come.

As history has shown us the sun will most likely rise tomorrow and there will be a new day. A new day full of new stresses, new releases, and new accomplishments to achieve.

Just relax, Don't Panic, everything will be fine.

With that, I'm going for a walk.

Cheers!

Sources:
[1] Definition by Google with complete available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stress
[2] Biological definition by Wikipedia and further research at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(biology)
[3] Quote by Brainy Quote at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/hansselye381380.html
[4] Biography by Wikipedia and available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Selye
[5] Quote by Brainy Quote at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/timallen452123.html