Myths about Stress

There are false myths about stress. One of the most popular beliefs is that stress is always a bad thing, but in reality, having some stress at healthy levels can help us to be productive.

That is why in this article we are going to look at some of the most deeply rooted concepts that are far from being 100% true.

Stress is always a bad thing

The American Psychoanalytic Association (APA) states that this emotion for human beings is like “the string of a violin”, in that if there is too little tension, the sound is “dull and unpitched”, but if there is too much, it can become “shrill” and the string can break.

That’s why the key is to know how to manage it, because having a little stress helps us to be more productive and in a good mood but if stress is not controlled, it is really harmful.

Nothing can be done about stress

It is true that we are living in very difficult times, but there are some strategies that can be implemented in order not to feel so overwhelmed. One way is to prioritise and not try to find a solution to all problems simultaneously.

In difficult times, it is better to set small and short-term goals.

No symptoms, no stress

This is another myth that can make it very difficult to manage emotion correctly. Disguising stress with medication can be an obstacle to seeing the symptoms of stress and seeing the possible disturbances in your physiological and psychological systems.

Therefore, we must pay attention to secondary symptoms, such as headaches or heartburn, as these symptoms can repeatedly indicate that you are not taking control of your life and require help.

Tensions affect us all equally

Some factors that may produce stress in some people do not produce stress in others. Everyone responds differently to life situations.

For this reason, this feeling should not be pigeonholed as unique, nor is there a magic solution to alleviate it.

Stress is only caused by change or traumatic situations

Stress can also be caused by taking certain medicines or addictive substances. Drugs include some asthma inhalers, thyroid tablets, weight loss tablets or even some cold medicines.

Drugs such as cocaine or even tobacco, caffeine and alcohol can increase the manifestations of the stressful condition.

Combating stress is a tough task

Fighting stress does not always have to be a hard task, as there are fun ways to deal with it. Sport is one of the best ways to combat stress, in addition to typical disciplines such as yoga, meditation or tai chi. You can also try taking painting classes, arts and crafts, learning to play an instrument or listening to music to relax.

Taking short breaks during the working day, setting aside some free time in the day and enjoying time with family and friends can be a real stress reliever.

If things are sorted out, stress is gone

Sometimes, what may seem like a momentary stress depending on the context may stem from a more serious problem, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder or a panic attack.

Therefore, if stress symptoms persist for more than four weeks, a specialist should be consulted.

Stress management techniques work for all of us equally

There is no magic solution to stress relief that is effective in a standardised way, so each person should look for a programme tailored to his or her needs and personality.

For example, all people do not do well with techniques such as relaxation and may prefer other methods such as walking or manual labour.

Stress only affects adults

Stress can stem not only from obligations and work: children can also experience stress, whether from positive changes – such as starting a new activity – or negative ones, such as the death of a loved one or the illness of a family member.

These situations must be handled with the utmost care in order to manage and overcome such stress.

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