Whats the difference between good stress and bad stress?
Stress is like a rubber band. With no tension on the band, it doesn’t function at all. With too much tension, it breaks. When taut for a long time, it loses its elasticity. With the right amount of tension and it does just what it was designed to do. Stress is based on an individual’s perception. When our stress reactions help us get things done with a sense accomplishment, it’s good stress. When those reactions immobilize us, it’s bad stress. • How can one recognize the symptoms of stress? Again, we are all individuals and have our own particular reactions. For some people they are physiological, like a racing heart or an increase in blood pressure. For others, they are more behavioral, like sleep changes, nail biting or increased alcohol or drug use. For others, the reactions are more cognitive as in negative thoughts or trouble concentrating. We each have to learn our own signs. • How do you know if you’re suffering from everyday stress, or a disorder like anxiety or depression? The
