What is Stress?

Yes, we’ve all experienced it.  During a routine day, there may be a few things that make you feel it.  You know, the headaches, the stomach pain, and the muscle aches that come when something is bothering you.  The worries, frustration and anger that prevent you from enjoying your day.  All of this is a part of stress.  But what exactly is stress anyway?  One dictionary defines stress as “a state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain.”  Another defines it as “a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension…”  No matter how you choose to define it, one thing is certain: stress is something that we all feel and must learn to deal with.

Learning how to handle stress will help you deal in a healthy manner with all sorts of situations that might come up, whether within the family, at school, with friends, or on the job.  It’s something that affects everyone at one point or another, so it’s important to be able to recognize stress and respond to it appropriately. Learning more about yourself and the way you handle stress are important aspects of growing up.  Enjoy the ride!

We've broken the facts down into four sections:
1. The Basics of Stress
2. Stress in Relationships
3. School Related Stress
4. Dealing With Tragedy

References