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Wellness: Definition of Stress

Definition of Stress

Stress can be referred to as the reaction of body to any of the changes which require a mental, physical, or emotional response or adjustment. Stress is known to come from the situation or thought which tends to make you feel anxious, nervous, angry, or frustrated. In other words, the cause of stress can be the existing stress-factor, better known as "stressor".

People tend to have diverse ideas regarding stress definition. Most of the time, people consider definition of the stress as something causing distress. It should, however, be noted that stress is not always harmful as increased stress causes a rise in terms of productivity. Defining stress must also be concerned with such sort of the healthy stress, that is generally ignored on being asked about stress definition.

Definition of Stress

Definition of stress must also be inclusive of eustress, which is the so called good stress. For instance- having an election or a race won can be as stress worthy as losing, or even more. A fervent kiss and the contemplation resulting out of it are definitely stressful. However, they can not be equated with the one that is experienced at the time of going through root canal. Any of the definitions of stress must, in the same manner, explain difference between distress and eustress.

For majority of people, stress definition has the tendency of focusing on pessimistic emotions and feelings. Nearly every stress definition discusses some resultant physiological, biochemical, or physical responses what are observed or experienced. A comprehensive stress definition which includes such stuffs is nothing but biopsychosocial model. As name suggests, it consists of 3 components. Stress definition tends to distinguish between the internal and external elements. There is also a 3rd element which represents interaction between the above-mentioned two factors.

Biopsychosocial definition of Stress

With respect to biopsychosocial definition pertaining to stress, external component consists of elements relating to external environment. Internal component comprises of biochemical and physiological factors in body or internal environment. Interaction between the components mentioned above can be referred to as cognitive processes. Physical reactions which are experienced at the time of stress are inclusive of headaches, hypertension, skin and gastrointestinal complaints, etc. The stress definition including such potentially hazardous physical responses cannot be termed as complete.

No standard definition of Stress

Note that stress definition which does not refer to roles of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal alignment or the stimulation of adrenalin secretion and sensitive nervous system in "fight for flight" response must also be regarded as stress definition. As stress is one of the subjective phenomena differing for every person, there cannot be any satisfactory definition in this regard.

If you feel stressed we suggest you read our articles about Stress Relief and managing stress. Both articles describe effective techniques that help you to get rid of stress.