Deepak Barwal's video: Stress management Behavioural Science Amity University Rajasthan

Ques : What is stress? Ans: The stress response of the body is meant to protect and support us. To maintain stability or homeostasis, the body is constantly adjusting to its surroundings. When a physical or mental event threatens this equilibrium, we react to it. This process is often referred to as the "fight or flight response. We prepare for physical action in order to confront or flee a threat. Our ancestors responded to stressful ordeals in this fashion. Millions of years later, when you face a situation that you perceive as challenging, your body automatically goes into overdrive, engaging the stress response. Immediately, you release the same hormones that enabled prehistoric humans to move and think faster, hit harder, see better, hear more acutely, and jump higher than they could only seconds earlier. Like theirs, your heartbeat speeds up; your blood pressure increases; your breathing quickens. Most modern stresses, however, do not call for either fight or flight. Our experience of stress is generally related to how we respond to an event, not to the event itself. Ques: What causes you to experience stress symptoms? Except for major catastrophes, few events are stressful in themselves. Stress arises when you perceive a situation as threatening. For example, your morning commute may make you anxious and tense because you worry that traffic will make you late. Others, however, may find the trip relaxing because they allow more than enough time and enjoy playing music or listening to books while they drive. Stress is often associated with situations that you find difficult to handle. How you view things also affects your stress level. If you have very high expectations, chances are you& ;ll experience more than your fair share of stress. Your stress response can also have a positive effect, spurring motivation and awareness, providing the stimulation to cope with challenging situations. Take some time to think about the things that cause you stress. Your stress may be linked to external factors such as:  the state of the world, the country, or any community to which you belong  unpredictable events  the environment in which you live or work  work itself  family Stress can also come from your own:  irresponsible behavior  poor health habits  negative attitudes and feelings  unrealistic expectations  perfectionism. Ques :What are the signs and symptoms of stress? Ans : Stress affects mind, body, and behavior in many ways; the signs and symptoms of stress vary from person to person, but all have the potential to harm your health, emotional well-being, and relationships with others. Below are partial lists of signs and symptoms of stress that a person undergoing stress might experience. 1. Intellectual symptoms: How stress can affect your mind? problems with memory  difficulty making decisions  inability to concentrate, shortened attention span  confusion  repetitive or continual thoughts  misunderstanding of what others tell you  poor judgment  thoughts of escaping, running away  inability to slow down thought process  loss of objectivity. 2. Physical symptoms: How stress can affect your body? headaches  digestive disorders  muscle tension and pain  sleep disturbances  fatigue  chest pain, irregular heartbeat  high blood pressure  weight gain or loss  hair loss  asthma or shortness of breath  skin problems  periodontal disease, jaw pain  reproductive problems, such as missed periods  immune system suppression  sweatiness. 3. Emotional symptoms: What stress can make you feel? less interest in hobbies or fun  sudden shifts in mood  frequent uneasiness, restlessness  frustration. anger, resentment  unwarranted jealousy  quick irritability with others  oversensitivity  overreaction to unexpected situations or events  sense of being overwhelmed or swamped  anxiety  increased fear of failure  inadequacy, reduced confidence  depression  apathy  desire to cry. 4. Behavioral symptoms: What stress can make you do? eat more or less  sleep too much or too little  isolate yourself from others, including people close to you. stay home from work or stay at work extended hours  increase use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, caffeine  have sex more or less  engage in nervous habits such as nail biting, hair twisting, pacing  grind your teeth  laugh or cry at inappropriate times  overdo activities such as exercising or shopping  become bossy or inflexible with others  lose your temper  argue with people  become violent  take inappropriate risks  exhibit road rage.