Stress, as we all know is a part of everyone’s life and there is no escaping from that. It is a feeling of psychological and physical tension. It could emerge from multiple sources (maybe some thought or an event). Especially the thoughts and events that make you nervous or frustrated. Generally, stress is perceived to be all bad but that is not true. Stress can be beneficial in a way, it can help prepare better for danger or enable you to be on time when you are getting late.
It is important to understand the role of stress in our lives. It has been concluded by multiple research that stress is responsible for many physical ailments. Right from cardiovascular problems to Alzheimer’s disease. Management of stress can help you feel better, live a long disease-free life.
Common Myths around Stress
Myth 1: Stress is necessarily bad
With this logic, a life with zero stress would make a happy-healthy life. But this is not true, Stress is like the tension of the strings of the violin. If it is too tight, the sound is shrill and if it is loose, the sound is dull and raspy. Stress is not bad if it is in a small amount. It is the spice of life but it has to be managed well before it becomes the kiss of death. Managing stress makes us productive and healthy but mismanagement can cause serious problems and make us more stressed.
Myth 2: There is nothing much you can do about it
There are a lot of accidents happen on roads because of cars colliding with each other and other objects. But it does not stop us from driving when we have to. Stress is everywhere, but it is the mismanagement of stress which is the main culprit. You will have to sort things accordingly so that stress does not overwhelm you. You have to make effective plans to overcome stress. Prioritizing your work, finishing the simpler ones before doing on the complex ones. When your stress is not managed, it is difficult to make effective plans or execute one. All the hurdles become equal and stress seems at all the places.
Myth 3: Not all signs of stress require attention
Myth has it that “minor” symptoms like stomach acid imbalance, headache, etc. should not be given attention. Know that these are the very signs that indicated that things are going to get out of hands. You should take these seriously, pick up the signs, and manage your stress in a better way. The majority of people are not aware that many of the physical symptoms are attributed to stress. If you wait for the so-called “major” symptoms, it could be too late. Major symptoms can be a heart attack or stroke. It is best to not ignore these in the early phase. You can bring change in your lifestyle and exercise more after acknowledging early signs. It would be much worse both economically and time-wise if you take the early signs lightly.
Myth 4: There are no symptoms, there is no stress
If there are not any symptoms, it does not mean that the stress is absent. Many times signals camouflage, especially with medications and it deprives you of the signals. These signals are important to lower down the effect of stress on both the systems, psychological and physical.
There are chances that you may feel physical symptoms of stress, even though stress is psychological in nature. Shortness of breath, feeling anxious, and being tired all the time are some common physical symptoms of stress. Feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, and having difficulty in concentration are common mental signs of stress.
Myth 5: Stress is the same for all
It is a fact that stress is not the same for any two people. Nor does anyone perceive it in the same way. If there is something that you find stressful, that same thing may not be stressful for someone else. Every individual has a unique way of dealing with stress.
For example, I know a lot of people who get stressed by the thought of paying their monthly bills, while others do not take stress about it. A lot of people get stressed by work pressure and others thrive for the same pressure.