What is Stress?


Stress is something that we have all felt at some point, but what causes us to feel it? You can probably name a few things that make you feel a little stressed right now, but have you ever wondered why these things make you feel that way?

The word stress is used to cover a wide range of behavioural reactions and emotions to events that are beyond the coping abilities of an individual. When the body starts to feel stress, the brain releases hormones throughout the body. These hormones send alarm signals that make our breathing and heart rate faster, and our muscles tense. This is what is known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response.
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Stress can be good in small amounts, helping to motivate and reach potential. Stress is also very individualized. For example, some people find driving in heavy traffic very stressful, but some people do not.

Continual stress can negatively affect an individual’s mental health. Ongoing stress can also affect bodily functions such as blood pressure. But, it is very important to note that stress is not a mental illness.

Check your current level of stress at Be Mindful. Keep track of your score so that you can compare your results after you take this unit.