Essay on Stress Management

Define the term stress. What are the long-term and short-term effects to prolonged exposure to stress? How can stress be handled positively?

It is found that stress is a part of our life. The term stress can be defined as “the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it” (Kalat 366). There are three stages of specific effects that activate response to stress: alarm, resistance and exhaustion. According to R.A. Baron, a growing number of studies show that “the prolonged exposure to stress disrupts our immune systems.” (117). Moreover, different types of stressors, including work stress, poor interpersonal relationships and gender and race issues, lead to serious cardiovascular problems, hair loss and early hair graying, high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats, muscle tension, sever pain in muscles, digestive problems, such as diarrhea and constipation, etc.  The short term effects to prolonged exposure to stress include poor concentration and poor judgment, hypersensitiveness and confused mind, eating too much or eating too little, sleepiness, headache, etc. (Singh 5).

As stress is inescapable in our life, it is necessary to learn how to cope with stressful situations effectively. Some experts recommend eating healthily and regular physical exercises. The other effective means of coping with stress are seeking social support, emotion and problem-focused coping (Baron 118). Some experts recommend using mediation and yoga, stress training programs, relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, massage therapy, laughter therapy, music therapy, etc. In case stress is handled positively, it can be beneficial to human beings because it keep them alert and more active. In case stress is handled in a negative manner, it can lead to depression.