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Finding the Right Amount of Stress

Dec 30, 2020
2 min read

A student’s life is met with numerous events and milestones. A common constant throughout their lives is stress. The term "stress" has more than one connotation. For instance, Richard Lazarus, a notable psychologist, has developed a theoretical perspective on stress that defines it as an instance where an individual’s demands exceed their social and personal resources which they are able to utilize. Therefore, the strains of stress are unavoidable throughout a human’s life.


Other definitions of stress come from Hans Selye, a scientist in the field of endocrinology, who categorized the term as “mutual actions of forces that take place across any section of the body, physical or psychological.” In other words, stress stimulates a response from the human body towards unpleasant circumstances.


The coping strategies associated with stress are countless. Students may feel the need to keep their issues to themselves. Furthermore, experts are able to categorize the most common coping strategies of stress into two different bases’, problem and emotion-focused coping.


The problem-focused coping strategy is associated with individuals that actively find ways to mitigate the stressors in their lives. An instance where a student engages in problem-solving techniques may include, solving family problems, such as general disagreements and quarrels, or actively studying for a test they might be stressing over, in order to become better prepared for the test.


Emotion-focused coping shows individuals relying on activities that alleviate the tensions caused by stress. For example, students that choose to ventilate their emotions caused by their daily stressors to their peers are engaging in emotion-based coping. This strategy is more useful to apply if the individual lacks the power to manage the stressors that they are forced to endure.


Despite the legitimacy of the coping mechanisms mentioned above, stress is still unavoidable. However, there are ways in which stress can be managed properly. Supporting yourself provides groundwork to a reliable technique in mitigating stress symptoms. For instance, engaging in group discussions with friends, practicing an activity you wish to excel in, or even doing nothing altogether (just relaxing), can provide a better support system for working on yourself.


As mentioned earlier, confronting the issues that face you is an exceptional way to manage your stressors in life. Avoiding the unpleasant but important situations in your life will only feed your stress. For instance, If you encounter a disagreement with a friend, it is best to first discuss the issue with a third party in order to get a different perspective and brainstorm solutions after gaining a wider scope on the problem.


Moreover, tackling stress is a recurring battle in everyone’s lives. The tactics in which you decide to employ in order to deal with these situations are what decides how you move forward or backward in your life.





References


Anon, 2006. Managing stress. University of St Andrews. Available at: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/leaflets/stress/ [Accessed December 25, 2020].


Lin, H.J. & Yusoff, M., 2013. Psychological distress, sources of stress and coping strategy in high school students. International Medical Journal, 20(6), pp.1–6.


Suldo, S.M., Shaunessy, E. & Hardesty, R., 2008. Relationships among stress, coping, and mental health in high-achieving high school students. Psychology in the Schools, 45(4), pp.273–290.

6 Comments


Apprendre à doser son stress est essentiel pour se sentir bien au quotidien. J'adore ces conseils très utiles pour trouver son équilibre personnel. cazeus (

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This article offers a thoughtful look at how students experience stress and the different ways they can cope with it. I especially liked the distinction between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, since both approaches can be useful depending on the situation. When I get bored, for a joke I sometimes say, “Take My Online Class For me,” but the article is a good reminder that facing stress and finding healthy ways to manage it can make student life much easier.

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This is a thoughtful and relatable look at how students experience stress and develop different coping strategies. I especially liked the distinction between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, since both approaches can be helpful depending on the situation. The discussion also feels relevant to students balancing academics and personal challenges, whether they are preparing for exams, looking for McGraw Hill Connect Answers, or simply trying to manage the pressures of student life. Overall, the article offers a useful reminder that recognizing stress and finding healthy ways to respond can make a meaningful difference.

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I found this discussion of stress and coping strategies really relatable, especially the distinction between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. It’s a useful reminder that not every stressful situation can be solved immediately, and sometimes managing our emotional response is just as important as addressing the problem itself. I also liked the emphasis on having supportive people around and taking time to recharge. For students balancing multiple responsibilities, knowing when to Help me with online class can also be part of recognizing when stress is becoming difficult to manage alone.

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I read the post about finding the right amount of stress, and I liked how it explained that some pressure can push us forward, but too much can harm us. Last semester when maths deadlines piled up, I used online calculas class help because I was stuck and feeling overwhelmed, and that support helped me calm down and manage my time better. Your point about balance really connects with student life.

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