PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Managing Your Stress

Everyone encounters stress at some point in their lives. Stress is the body’s natural response to changes that require adjustment and action. These reactions can be physical, mental, or emotional, and stress can arise for various reasons at any time. Common sources of stress include preparing for exams, handling family issues, and managing the demands of a job. Interestingly, even positive events, like planning a wedding or a retirement party, can cause stress. As Feldman (2019) explains, “For people to consider an event stressful, they must perceive it as threatening or challenging and must lack all the resources to deal with it effectively” (p. 463).

Individuals manage stress in many ways, with some strategies being more constructive than others. For instance, some may seek comfort in loved ones or a therapist, while others may turn to harmful behaviors like excessive alcohol use or aggressive outbursts. Personally, I rely on social support from family and close friends when coping with stress. Social support has been linked to numerous mental health benefits, including improved immune and cardiovascular health, as well as reduced depression and anxiety (Scott, 2019). My preferred coping mechanism is “problem-focused,” meaning I target the root cause of the stress and work to reduce its impact on me. This approach not only allows for emotional release but also promotes growth and generates new ideas for managing future stressors. According to McLeod (2015), “Problem-focused strategies aim to remove or reduce the cause of the stressor, including problem-solving and time-management” (p. 2).

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

When confronted with stress, many individuals experience a process known as general adaptation syndrome (GAS). This theory suggests that stress responses follow a predictable pattern, regardless of the stressor’s cause (Feldman, 2019). Events such as a breakup, job loss, health issues, or financial difficulties are common triggers for GAS. Chronic, ongoing stress can exacerbate existing health problems and contribute to serious mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. People have different ways of dealing with stress, whether it’s through exercise, yoga, journaling, or focusing on diet and nutrition. A personal example of stress management occurred when I began nursing school. Juggling a full-time job, living on my own, and paying bills while pursuing my dream of becoming an RN was overwhelming. However, with the support of others, I was able to adapt and persevere.

Psychologists define social support as “acts that communicate caring; that validate the other’s words, feelings or actions; or that facilitate adaptive coping with problems through the provision of information, assistance or tangible resources” (Scott, 2019). Knowing that others support me alleviates the pressure I put on myself and reminds me that help is always available during difficult times.

In conclusion, stress is a natural response to life changes. While it can be beneficial in keeping individuals alert, motivated, and ready to face challenges, prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. It is essential to manage stress effectively by developing coping strategies and relying on social support when necessary.

References

Feldman, R. (2019). Understanding Psychology [Bookshelf Ambassadored]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260883817/

McLeod, S. (2015, January 1). Stress Management. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-management.html

Porter, J. (2015, March 23). The Science Of Reading Your Coworkers’ Personalities. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3044030/how-to-get-better-at-reading-and-reacting-tocoworkers-personalities

PSYC 110 Week 6 Managing Your Stress paper

Scott, E. (2019, October 6). How Social Support Can Help You Relieve Stress in Your Life. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-social-support-research-3144460