Stress

Zachary Costa

9/25/16

English 4

     Stress is a very common problem in today’s world.  Every individual experiences stress one time or another.  Stress can be defined as a body’s way of responding to any type of demand.  Stress is a feeling we have when under pressure and the situation is viewed as potentially harmful, uncontrollable, or makes us unable to cope.  Although stress is usually thought of in a negative sense, it can be positive when an individual gains something from it.  Positive stress also known as eustress can help motivate an individual to meet challenges and excel at tasks.  Take Olympic swimming guru Michael Phelps.  Michael has won 28 Olympic medals for swimming.  He has placed physical and mental stress on himself for years in order to win in the biggest sporting events every 4 years.   Eustress will help people keep working at things especially if it becomes difficult, like continuing to study and get good grades even though the class may seem impossible.  Positive stress is a mindset and a positive outlook on the situation.  Individuals must believe in themselves and their ability to accomplish goals.  Unlike negative stress, individuals experiencing eustress, have all the control and power for the situation being presented.  If the person manages positive stress correctly they can stay motivated and accomplish the challenges faced.  Once the goal is accomplished the eustress feeling will leave them excited and with a sense of accomplishment.  As with negative stress, eustress can cause anxiety, tension or other medical issues.  Constant good or bad stress can create a state of tension and anxiety, it can have an effect on your body’s physical and mental state and needs to be addressed by a medical professional.  Never let stress put your health at risk.