November 3, 2010
Stress Reactions

Mrs. X has many serious diseases which she takes care of by exercise, diet, prescriptions, and over the counter remedies approved by her physician. She ignores her many painful areas of her body by continuing her life as if the illnesses did not exist. Her affirmative attitude comes from appreciating: her freedom of choice, her nice home, her friends and her wonderful family. She has the usual amount of tragedies and economic problems as the rest of the population. Mrs. X is excited about what each day will hold for her. However, Mrs. X’s stress level is below average since she refuses to be discouraged and instead looks for positive solutions.

However, Mrs. Y concentrates on every ache and pain, and is continually at the doctor’s office. She complains about her life, her family, and her friends. She does not feel that she ought to watch her income level because she “deserves” to have what she wants when she wants it which creates her ever expanding debt. Mrs. Y feels her tribulations are worse than every one else's. She focuses on the end of the world brought about by humans themselves. Her general outlook is,”Woe is me.” Mrs. Y has a high degree of stress levels and often her anxiety spells land her in the hospital.

Therefore, It is not what we go through in life, but how we manage our reactions and behaviors to these stressful situations.

Researchers have proven that this premise is scientifically accurate. First, Researchers have measured the levels of physical stress in different individuals and in that manner assigned a stress number anywhere from 0 to 100 depending on the event. For example a death in the family would register 100 and although a vacation is fun, getting ready for it often creates the stress level of 13.

However, determining the amount of the stress for the individual is formulated as more than or less than the assigned stress indicator by using a mathematical equation which compiles what each person believes is stressful. This refigured amount determines just how much ones body is actually reacting to the stressful events.

The above example of Mrs. X illustrates how attitude can lower or nullify stress; and in that case would have no harmful effects on the somatic indicators. While Mrs Y debilitates her health with worry. Concern creates the planning that is necessary to prevent disasters. Worry only makes the disaster happen daily (in Mrs. Y’s imagination).