Put Stress to the Test

     Have you ever wondered why some people are able to handle stressful situations better than others? The truth is that everyone is faced with stressful situations, but it's how they are handled that determines how well the person can deal with them. For some people, stressful situations can be coped with things that will only make the overall problem worse. Procrastination, oversleeping, smoking, and using pills or other drugs to relax are just some examples of what should not be done when faced with a difficult situation or task. Today I will be sharing some different methods for coping with stress, so that the problem does not worsen and lead to depression.


     According to the Dana Foundation, depending on the individual, the brain's response to stress differs widely. A person's sensitivity to stress is "determined by variations in the gene encoding the α2b-adrenoreceptor (ADRA2B)" proving that the same stressful situation can have varying outcomes by different people. Stress hormones such as cortisol are generally released from the hypothalamus, leading to irrational thinking and responses. To counteract with those hormones, it is good to exercise, since endorphins are released making the body feel better. Not only is exercising extremely helpful, but listening to music can also help release stress (especially if you can resonate with the lyrics!). Engaging in social activities (unless that actually causes you more stress) can be anther good way of de-stressing, since it allows you to socialize and get along with others. Stress is inevitable, but depending on the individual, there are many different ways of coping with it. Remember, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, so keep doing what you're doing... you can handle the stress!