Question

What are some key sources of stress? What’s the difference between challenge and hindrance stressors? What can you do to reduce stress and its harmful effects?

Answer 1

The key sources of stress are:

1. Environmental stress : The many factors of the environment that causes stress are extreme weather conditions, high amount of noise, pollution etc.

2. Physiological stress

This source of stress includes the stress that is related to various developmental stages as the stage of adolescence, declining ability at old age,menopause etc.It also includes stress related to illness,poor sleep,eating habits, poor exercise, etc.

3. Social stress

Stress due to social factors as strained relationship, public speaking, loss of job, death of a dear one, unemployment or financial problem or attending an interview or appearing for an exam etc.

4. Cognitive-emotional

The cognitive emotional stresses include threat, fear, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, poor self image etc.

The difference between a challenge and hindrance stresses are:

• Challenge stresses motivate a person to complete his task or aim. It it helps to give the best, improves the quality of work and gives satisfaction at the attainment of the goal.Example: an assignment,
• Hindrance stressors on the other hand decrease work performance by preventing achievement of goals. It impacts an individual in a negative manner and produces anxiety.Example : job insecurity, role conflict etc.

Ways to tackle stress.

• Finding out the source of stress.
• Finding out the things that can be managed by oneself on part of that source of stress.
• Always keep the creative part alive by engaging oneself in various creative activities as painting , reading or picking up a hobby that gives enjoyment and fulfillment
• Getting moved,doing exercises regularly,going for a walk etc that is any type of physical activity relieves stress Avoid sitting for prolonged hours.