It was seen approximately 89% of India’s population say they suffer from stress compared to the global average of 86%. From college students to people with definite jobs in offices, stress is of all shapes and sizes. Stress is the natural defence of the body from predators and threat. It flushes hormones in the body to prepare structures for escaping or facing danger. This is called the system of “fight-or-flight.” This means the body activates resources to protect us by either prepping us to stay and fight or to escape as soon as possible. Environmental factors that cause this reaction are called stressors. Types include noise, aggressive behaviour, a speeding vehicle, scary movie moments, or even a first date out. The more stressors we encounter, the more we tend to feel anxious.

Why does it really happen? Science says Cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline are produced in larger quantities by the body. These trigger increased heart rate, increased preparedness of the muscle, sweating, and alertness. All these factors enhance the ability to respond to a situation that is dangerous or challenging. Apart from the scientific reasons, what tends you to feel stressful in various situations? It can be in the form of work stress, i.e. Being unsatisfied in your job, having a hectic schedule or too much responsibility, working longer hours, having poor management, unclear expectations or not having a voice in the decision-making process, working under hazardous conditions, being uncertain of your chance of progress or risk of termination, having to give speeches before colleagues, Facing discrimination in the workplace, etc. all reflect in the quality of work you deliver. Stress even triggers in the form of major life happenings, like death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, increase in debts, marriage, moving to a new home, chronic disease, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, rage, sadness, shame, low self-esteem), care of an elder or sick family member, traumatic experience such as natural disaster, burglary, fraud, rape or abuse against you or a loved one, etc.

Apart from external causes, people face internal stress too. Common examples may include fear of uncertainty. This means events such as terrorist attacks, global warming and news about toxic chemicals can cause you to feel stressed, especially when you realize you have no control over these events. Today’s youth face Issues about their personal appearance that can exaggerate the confidence and self-image of people. For example, concerns about weight. Stress can be classified into two major categories, good stress and bad stress. Good stress basically affects you in a positive way. There’s nothing to worry about it as it is the major reason why people can pull off various tasks in their day to day life. Bad stress can affect you mentally physically and even emotionally. It, therefore, becomes very important to take the right steps before stress starts to overpower you.

Thus, stress management becomes very important for each and every individual to understand and apply in their life on a daily basis. By disconnecting yourself from the world via technology, indulging in activities that might help you think and cope up like yoga and meditations, etc can prevent you from stress and it becoming more harmful for your body.