STRESS DEFINITIONS AND THREE KEY INSIGHTS

STRESS DEFINITIONS AND THREE KEY INSIGHTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

When trying to understand the areas of stress, stress management and stress relief, many of us begin by considering a stress definition. A definition of stress can often provide some information in understanding stress. However, when attempting to define and characterize stress terms it is often a complex and stressful experience. For as the researcher Soderberg, as far back as 1967 explained: “stress is the most grandly imprecise term in the dictionary of science”. There is actually an array of stress definitions that add further complexity to defining the term stress. So here are three key insights for you to keep in mind when considering any definitions of stress…

STRESS DEFINITION INSIGHT ONE – NO ULTIMATE STRESS DEFINITION

Firstly, it is important to understand that there is no single agreed upon or one simple definition of stress as it relates to human functioning. Even those who are researchers and experts in the field of stress, stress relief and stress management cannot agreed of one determination of what stress actually means. All have their own variations in defining the stress term. These differences in interpretation reflect the complexity of people and stress in our lives. Therefore, there is no single definition that can encompass the full meaning of the term stress.

STRESS DEFINITION INSIGHT TWO – OTHER WORDS ADD MEANING

Secondly, when you ask people to define the term stress most often they will use an array of words associated with the concept of stress. Often these words that surround the stress term offer greater understanding and meaning to you. Often defining your own stress relates more to the words that link to your feelings about those stressful experiences, than any one definition.

For example, in another article we identified ten definitions of stress mostly from researchers in the field of stress research and stress management. But what is most powerful across all these different definitions of stress is not the definitions themselves, but the key words representing the definitions. Here are some key words taken from across these ten stress definitions…

• hardship
• pressure
• demand
• exceed
• reaction
• response
• change
• strain
• underload
• overload
• difficult
• negative
• effort
• challenge
• stressors

Do these words provide you with a greater insight into understanding stress? Can you relate to any of these words in examining and defining your own stress experiences?

STRESS DEFINITION INSIGHT THREE – ONLY GUIDES

Thirdly, a definition of the term stress is only a starting point for you to understand stress and to understand your own reactions to stress. One definition, just as one size, does not fit all. You should always consider any definition of stress to be a guide rather than the rule. Use the definitions and characterizations of experts in areas of stress, stress management and stress relief as only a guide. A guide to your exploration and formulation of your own personal and unique definition of what stress is to you. It is your own definition of the stress in your life that always remains the most important of all.

FROM THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION FOR STRESS

These stress related articles and information are brought to you by the Association of the Global Organization for Stress. We invite you to become a member of the Global Organization for Stress. Membership is free and you will have access to regular ideas and strategies on dealing with stress…