What is Stress?: Read and Respond

Stress is the feeling you get when you’re under pressure, worried, angry, excited, nervous, or experiencing another strong emotion. Sometimes people act like young people don’t really get stressed because they don’t have as many responsibilities as adults. That’s not true—stress can come from parents, friends, teachers, coaches, and even yourself. You might feel stress during huge life events, like moving or if your parents get a divorce. But it’s also common to be stressed while taking a test or giving a speech. Stress can cause physical effects, like shaky hands, a racing heart, stomachaches, and headaches. It can also cause mental and emotional effects, such as sadness, anxiety, and crankiness.

According to the passage, which of these is a common misconception about stress?

• Stress only causes emotional effects, not physical.

• Young people don’t feel as much stress as adults.

• Stress can’t give you a stomachache.

• Worry, anger, and excitement don’t lead to stress.

Stress is our bodies’ biological reaction to danger or threat. Early humans developed a stress response that helped them get out of harmful situations. When the brain senses danger, it releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause changes in the body to prepare us for “fight or flight”—to tackle the problem with extra strength, or run away fast. For example, if your ancestor spotted a dangerous animal, she may have felt her stomach sinking as her blood left her digestive system and went to her legs so she could run faster. She would breathe faster to get more oxygen for running. Extra sweat would help cool her down as she ran. Her pupils would get bigger to help her see in the dark.

Which of these is not a physical stress response?

• Blood redirects to the legs to increase running speed and strength.

• Breathing becomes faster to get more oxygen into the lungs.

• Pupils dilate to let in more light.

• Sweat production decreases to create less resistance when running.

In modern life, humans usually face fewer life-or-death threats like dangerous animals. But when our brains sense a threat coming, our bodies still have the same “fight or flight” response—even if the “threat” is a common occurrence like batting in a baseball game, singing a solo in the choir, or making plans for the future.

Not all stress is negative. Eustress, or “good stress,” comes from excitement or anticipation. For example, if you’re stressed about a big test, the stress can help you study harder and get a good grade. It’s common to experience eustress when graduating, getting a new job, or going to college. Even though eustress comes from a positive place, it can still feel like the bad kind of stress, called distress.

Which of these best describes eustress?

• A type of stress that usually occurs during negative life events

• A type of stress that young people don’t usually feel

• A type of stress that can occur during positive life events

• A type of stress that was more common in prehistoric times than today

Whether it comes from a positive or negative place, stress can be tough to manage. It’s important to find ways to release the physical and emotional tension that comes with stress. Healthy coping strategies can help you feel calmer and more prepared for stressful situations. One strategy is talking to a friend or adult you trust. Talking it out can help you make sense of your stress and figure out a solution. Practicing deep breathing, exercising, journaling, and taking regular breaks are also effective coping strategies.

Which of these is a healthy coping strategy for stress?

• Writing your thoughts in a journal

• Not sharing your emotions with anyone

• Stopping your exercise routine

• Working very hard without breaks