All of us know what it’s like to be stressed. Some of us
might be blessed with just a smattering of it here and there, while others may
not even remember what it’s like to not
be stressed. Some show their stress, while others hide it. And though many can
keep it under control, not everyone can.
Not all stress is created equal, and while some stress might
not do much harm, too much definitely will.
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| Understanding stress is a big part of keeping it under control. Image: Shutterstock |
It seems intuitive to just assume that any stress is bad—but
that’s not true. Stress is what allows us to deal with intense situations, like avoiding a car collision or meeting a tough deadline. It helps us focus in
on a goal without letting chaos get in the way.
Our bodies tense up in these moments; our heart rates rise,
our blood vessels constrict, and our bodies move into a heightened state of
awareness. That moment is supposed to
pass fairly quickly, allowing our bodies to return to normal. The problem comes
in when it doesn’t pass, and when we don’t give our bodies and brains a chance
to rest.
