Take a few moments to reflect on a recent situation where you felt stressed. It could be related to work, school, relationships, or any other aspect of your life.
Write down a brief description of the situation, including what triggered your stress response and how you felt physically and emotionally. Using the information from Lesson 1.1, define stress in your own words. Consider how your experience aligns with the definition and the physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Identify the specific stressors present in your situation. These could be external factors (e.g., deadlines, conflicts) or internal factors (e.g., perfectionism, self-doubt). Reflect on how recognizing these stressors can help you better manage stress in the future. Think about strategies you could use to address these stressors and reduce their impact on your well-being.
Definition of Stress: Stress is a physiological and psychological response to pressure, demands, or challenges that exceed our coping abilities. It can manifest in various ways, such as physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, muscle tension) and emotional responses (e.g., anxiety, irritability).
Stressors Identified: The project deadline and the high expectations placed on me by my supervisor were the main stressors in this situation. Additionally, my own perfectionism and fear of failure contributed to my stress. Reflection: Recognizing these stressors helps me understand the source of my stress and allows me to take proactive steps to manage it. For example, I could break down the project into smaller tasks, prioritize them, and set realistic goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I could also practice self-compassion and remind myself that it's okay not to be perfect.