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Home » Areas of Practice » Labor Laws » Job Hazards

Stress

Stress is a state of mind and a sensation that envelops the human body in response to particular situations which challenge us physically or mentally. It gives us the strength, focus, endurance, and awareness necessary to rise to the occasion.

Stressors, the situations from which stress arises, can come in many different forms. This includes everything from the presence of physical danger to speaking in front of a large group of people or studying for a major test.

The human body automatically reacts to stressors by activating the nervous system and special hormones. The adrenal glands receive messages from the hypothalamus signaling them to generate more adrenaline and cortisol in the bloodstream. These hormones are responsible for a number of important processes including increasing the heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate. Blood vessels boost their capacity by opening up to allow an influx of blood to the bigger muscle groups. Dilated pupils help enhance eyesight, and the liver liberates its glucose reserves to heighten the body's energy level. A higher body temperature triggers the release of sweat, which helps cool it down. These physical alterations provide the preparation necessary for a rapid response that enables them to withstand the immediate pressure. The body's cumulative reaction to stress is called the stress response. When it is functioning correctly, the stress response improves the individual's performance in the face of adversity. However, the stress response can be more harmful than it is beneficial if too many hormones are released or it fails to reset.

Good vs. bad stress

The stress response is important during urgent circumstances like when a child is crossing the street in front of a car and must be whisked away to safety. High pressure situations where danger is not an issue can also provoke a stress response (e.g., reaching a point in an athletic event where all eyes are watching whether you are able to rise to the challenge). This kind of stress helps keep you alert and on your toes at critical times.

Stress does not always coincide with short-term events; ongoing scenarios like coping with a death in the family also create stress. Lon g-lasting stressful states can result in steady low-level stress that is very persistent. This continuous strain on the nervous system causes an extensive amount of hormone production, leaving the person feeling exhausted and possibly even weakening their immune system.