Understanding the Types of Stress

Dr. Radhika Kapur

Abstract

The main objective of this research paper is to understand the types of stress.

The individuals experience various types of stress in their lives. These have an effect

upon their health conditions. Hence, what is important is the individuals need to

acquire an efficient understanding of the types of stress. After they have augmented

their knowledge and understanding, they need to ensure they generate information in

terms of measures to cope with different types of stress. When these have an effect

upon their health and well-being, they need to make visits to medical and health care

centres. The counselling and guidance services obtained from professional

counsellors have also rendered an important contribution in imparting information to

the individuals in terms of measures to cope with different types of stress. When the

individuals will put into operation the measures and approaches in an effective

manner, they are able to benefit to a major extent. Therefore, it is necessary for the

individuals to acquire an efficient understanding of different types of stress. The main

areas that are taken into account in this research paper are, significance of

understanding the types of stress, types of stress and how stress can be beneficial to

the individuals.

Keywords: Abilities, Factors, Health Conditions, Measures, Skills, Stress, Types

It is apparently understood that individuals experience stress in their lives

(Scott, 2019). In some cases, it is experienced on a frequent basis, whereas, in other

cases, it is not experienced on a frequent basis. The various factors in terms of which

individuals experience stress are, family, relationships, household chores, education,

employment opportunities, career prospects, environmental conditions within home,

the working environmental conditions, health problems and illnesses, travelling,

implementing safety measures and so forth. In some cases, the stress is experienced

in a major form, whereas, in other cases, it is experienced in a minor form. In some

cases, the individuals are able to cope with stress in a manageable manner. They

either put into practice the measures and approaches on their own or obtain help and

support from others. For example, when the individuals experience stress in the

implementation of a project, they will be able to overcome stress either through

conducting research on their own or through obtaining support and assistance from

the individuals within the workplace. These normally are, colleagues, supervisors,

employers and other staff members. Therefore, one is able to understand that the

individuals can overcome stress, by putting into operation the appropriate procedures

and strategies.

It is essential for the individuals to be aware that in some cases, they will not be

able to cope with stress in an effective manner (Friedman, 2020). For example, within

the households, when terms and relationships are strenuous among family members,

which can be parents and children, husband and wife or siblings. In such cases, when

there is absence of mutual understanding and they do not take into consideration

each other’ s needs and requirements, then it is difficult for them to cope with stress

in a suitable manner. It is necessary for the individuals to ensure that they do not

damage their terms and relationships with family members. The reason being, when

the individuals experience stress within the course of pursuance of education or

participation in various types of employment settings, the family members are the first

and foremost individuals, from whom one obtains help. The family members in natal

as well as marital homes of the individuals listen to the problems and concerns of the

individuals and make provision of solutions. Therefore, one is able to understand that

the individuals, belonging to all communities, categories and backgrounds need to

form cordial and pleasant terms and relationships with each other.

Health and well-being is important for all individuals, irrespective of their age

groups, gender, educational qualifications, occupations, communities, categories and

backgrounds (Chronic Stress puts your Health at Risk, 2021). It is indispensable for

the individuals to be healthy physically as well as psychologically. When they will be

healthy, they will be able to render a significant contribution in the implementation of

their job duties in a well-ordered manner, achieving the desired goals and objectives

and bringing about improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives. Hence, when the

individuals are experiencing health problems and illnesses, they feel stressed. In old

age, the individuals usually experience health problems and illnesses. These enable

them to feel stressed. But it is necessary for the individuals to establish positive

thinking and obtain medical check-ups on a regular basis. In other words, they need to

consult medical practitioners and health care specialists. The type of stress that is

experienced due to health problems and illnesses can be minor, moderate or major.

Therefore, one is able to acknowledge on a wide scale that the individuals can

overcome stress, by putting into operation the ways that would help them to overcome

health problems and illnesses. Furthermore, they are able to promote good health and

well-being.

Significance of Understanding the Types of Stress

The individuals, belonging to all age groups, communities, categories and

backgrounds experience stress in their personal as well as professional lives. Stress

has various positive aspects as well, but normally, when it is experienced in a major

form, it has unfavourable effects upon the overall quality of lives of the individuals. In

order to overcome stress, one needs to be aware in terms of procedures and methods.

Furthermore, these are necessary to promote good health and well-being. The

individuals need to pay attention towards promoting good health and well-being. When

they will possess good health, they will be able to benefit to a major extent in

generating the desired outcomes and sustaining one’ s living conditions in an

adequate manner. When the individuals are conducting research on types of stress,

they are able to understand how different types of stress are causing unfavourable
effects upon the physical and the psychological health conditions of the individuals.

Therefore, it can be stated, the significance of understanding the types of stress is

acknowledged by the individuals, when they are able to augment their knowledge and

understanding in terms of unfavourable effects of stress on well-being and physical

and the psychological health conditions of the individuals.

When the feeling of stress is experienced in a major form, it has detrimental

effects upon the physical and psychological health conditions of the individuals.

Hence, it is essential for the individuals to be well-aware in terms of measures and

approaches that are necessary to alleviate emotional stress and prevent it from

assuming a major form. Within the professional as well as personal lives of the

individuals, they need to put into practice the methods, which would enable them to

benefit in all spheres. But one of the important points that needs to be taken into

account is, in the implementation of most of the job duties and in dealing with

demanding individuals, there is occurrence of stressful situations. When the

individuals experience stress, it enables the individuals to reinforce the traits that

would enable them to do well and generate the desired outcomes. The individuals not

only develop enthusiasm and constructive viewpoints towards the implementation of

job duties, but they are augmenting the traits of diligence, conscientiousness, morality

and ethics. Furthermore, they understand that when they will be healthy physically and

psychologically, they will implement their job duties well, achieve desired goals and

bring about improvements in their living standards. Therefore, it can be stated, the

significance of understanding the types of stress is acknowledged by the individuals,

when they are able to do well and generate the desired outcomes.

Types of Stress

The different types of stress are stated as follows:

Acute Stress
 Acute stress is the type of stress that has an effect upon the mental balance of

the individuals. This is the type of stress that comes in a rapid way and often

expectedly. One of the main benefits of this stress is it does not last long. But in order

to overcome this stress, one needs to be aware in terms of measures and approaches.

Furthermore, these are necessary to promote good health and well-being. The stress

of the body is triggered with acute stress, but one can alleviate with relaxation

techniques. This is commonly understood that various types of relaxation techniques,

such as yoga and meditation are practiced by individuals, irrespective of their age

groups, categories and backgrounds. Through experiencing this form of stress, the

practicing of relaxation techniques will not only help the individuals to cope with

stress, but they are able to put into practice their tasks and activities in a well-ordered

and satisfactory manner. In the case of acute stress, the various types of relaxation

techniques that are put into operation are, breathing exercises, cognitive reframing,

progressive muscle relaxation and mini-meditation. These relaxation techniques

contribute in a significant manner in alleviating acute stress and preventing it from

assuming a major form.

Episodic Acute Stress

Episodic acute stress is the type of stress that has an effect upon the mental

balance of the individuals. This is the type of stress that comes in a rapid way and

often expectedly. One of the main benefits of this stress is it does not last long. But in

order to overcome this stress, one needs to be aware in terms of processes, strategies

and approaches, which are necessary to overcome stress. This type of stress will have

unfavourable effects upon the physical and psychological health conditions of the

individuals. The various types of physical health problems that take place are, pain in

the joints, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, loss of

vocabulary and usage of words and so forth. On the other hand, the various types of

psychological problems that take place are, anxiety, depression, anger and frustration.

As a consequence of this type of stress, the individuals usually make changes in their
personality traits as well as the environmental conditions. Normally, they are likely to

become more irritable. But in order to overcome this stress, one needs to be aware in

terms of procedures and methodologies. Furthermore, these are regarded as

indispensable to promote well-being and goodwill.

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is the type of stress that tends to occur among individuals on a

regular basis throughout their lives. This type of stress will have unfavourable effects

upon the physical and psychological health conditions of the individuals. Furthermore,

they may feel burnout as well. The major effect of chronic stress is upon the physical

and psychological health conditions of the individuals. The various types of physical

health problems that take place are, pain in the joints, cardiovascular diseases, high

blood pressure, low blood pressure and so forth. On the other hand, the various types

of psychological problems that take place are, anxiety, depression, anger and

frustration. Through experiencing this form of stress, the practicing of relaxation

techniques will not only help the individuals to cope with chronic stress, but they are

able to put into practice their job duties and activities in a well-organized, effective and

agreeable manner. Managing this type of stress requires a combination approach.

This approach includes some short-term stress relievers. The different types of

emotion-focused coping techniques and solution-focused coping techniques are

important as well. These are favourable and beneficial to the individuals, when they

are put into operation in an effectual manner.

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can be more severe and painful as compared to other types of

stress (Freshwater, 2018). When the work pressure is too much within the workplace

or the individuals experience strenuous terms and relationships with other individuals,

i.e. family members, relatives, friends, colleagues, supervisors, employers or other

individuals, they experience emotional stress. When this stress is experienced in a

major form, it has adverse effects upon the physical and psychological health

conditions of the individuals. Hence, it is necessary for the individuals to be well-aware

in terms of measures and approaches that are essential to alleviate emotional stress

and prevent it from assuming a major form. Within the professional as well as

personal lives of the individuals, they need to put into practice the time management

skills. These skills will enable them to take out time for all tasks and activities.

Furthermore, they need to be aware in terms of methods and procedures necessary to

do well in their jobs. One of the important factors that needs to be carried out are, the

individuals need to develop mutual understanding and form cordial and amiable terms

and relationships with others. Therefore, these are regarded as vital ways of coping

with emotional stress.

Battling Burnout

Burnout is the type of stress, which is experienced by individuals, leaving

people feeling a lack of control in their lives. Within educational institutions at all

levels and within employment settings, it is apparently understood that individuals in

all the positions aspire to do well in their job duties and generate the desired

outcomes. But there are number of problems and challenges that are experienced by

the individuals, i.e. being unaware in terms of measures and approaches, lack of

promotional opportunities, less pay, lack of resources, facilities and amenities, inability

to meet supervisors and employers due to their busy schedules, inadequate grievance

redresser procedures, deficiency in the utilization of modern, scientific and innovative

methods, inability to get enrolled in training and development programs, facing

difficulties in the implementation of job duties and work pressure. Apart from these

problems, when the members of the organizations do not obtain help from others and

are unable to provide solutions to the problems on their own, they experience burnout.

This type of stress has detrimental effects upon the physical and psychological health

conditions of the individuals. Hence, it is necessary for the individuals to be aware in

terms of procedures and methodologies that are essential to alleviate burnout and

prevent it from assuming a major form.

Physical Stress

Physical stress is the stress that has effects upon the physical health

conditions of the individuals. There are numerous causes of physical stress, i.e.

various types of health problems and illnesses, wounds, injuries, infections, toxins,

inadequate light, lack of electricity, fatigue, inadequate oxygen supply, deficiencies of

essential nutrients, food allergies and sensitivities, unhealthy eating habits,

dehydration, substance abuse, dental challenges, and musculoskeletal misalignments

and imbalances (Types of Stress, n.d.). Through experiencing this form of stress, the

practicing of various types of relaxation techniques will not only help the individuals to

cope with physical stress, but they are able to put into practice their job duties and

activities in a well-ordered, operative and agreeable manner. Furthermore, the

individuals need to take medical treatment and put into practice the ways to promote

good health and well-being. In coping with physical stress, the various measures that

need to be taken into account are, diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activities,

obtaining medical check-ups on a regular basis, communicating effectively with others,

creating a pleasant environment within homes as well as workplace with light and

electricity and practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation,

breathing exercises, cognitive reframing, and progressive muscle relaxation. These

measures contribute in a significant manner in coping with physical stress and

preventing it from assuming a major form.

Psychological Stress

The psychological stress is the stress that takes place as a result of various

types of psychological problems, i.e. anger, depression, trauma, anxiety and frustration.

In the personal as well as professional lives of the individuals, they experience various

types of situations, which enable them to feel psychological stress. When

psychological stress is experienced in a major form, it has effects upon the physical as

well as psychological health conditions of the individuals. Through experiencing this

form of stress, the practicing of various types of relaxation techniques will not only

help the individuals to cope with physical stress, but they are able to augment their

analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Furthermore, the individuals

obtain counselling and guidance from medical professionals, health care specialists

and professional counsellors. In coping with psychological stress, the various

measures that need to be taken into account are, adequate diet and nutrition, exercise

and physical activities, being well-aware in terms of job duties and responsibilities,

developing mutual understanding, communicating effectively with others, creating a

pleasant environment within homes and practicing relaxation techniques, such as

yoga and meditation, breathing exercises, cognitive reframing, and progressive muscle

relaxation. These measures contribute in a significant manner in coping with

psychological stress and preventing it from having unfavourable effects upon the

physical and psychological health of the individuals.

Psycho-social Stress

It is essential for the individuals to be social. It is apparently understood that

one cannot live in isolation. One cannot put into practice the measures that are

necessary to bring about improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives on one’ s

own. In other words, it is indispensable to take help and assistance from others. Within

homes with family members and outside the homes, in educational institutions,

employment settings and communities, the individuals need to develop mutual

understanding and form cordial and pleasant terms and relationships with others. As

they need to work with them to achieve their goals. When there are occurrence of

strenuous terms and relationships, then it causes psycho-social stress. This type of

stress has an effect upon the physical as well as psychological health conditions of

the individuals. One of the effective measures that needs to be put into practice to

cope with this type of stress is, developing mutual understanding and communicating
effectively with others. Furthermore, the individuals need to inculcate the traits of

helpfulness, co-operation, and thoughtfulness. Therefore, one is able to understand

well that these traits contribute in a noteworthy manner in coping with psycho-social

stress and preventing it from having unfavourable effects upon the physical and

psychological health of the individuals.

Psycho-spiritual Stress

Psycho-spiritual stress is the stress that the individuals experience when they

are unable to put into practice the norms, values, and beliefs. In educational

institutions and training centres, within the course of pursuance of educational and

training courses, the individuals need to be well-aware in terms of their job duties and

responsibilities. Furthermore, they need to inculcate the traits of diligence,

resourcefulness and conscientiousness. Apart from these, the individuals need to

implement the traits of morality and ethics. When the individuals experience various

types of problems and challenges and experience problems in implementing norms,

values, beliefs, morals and ethics, in such cases, it leads to psycho-spiritual stress.

Within employment settings as well, within the course of implementation of job duties,

the individuals need to take into account the traits of diligence, resourcefulness,

conscientiousness, morality and ethics. Psycho-spiritual stress is experienced, when

the individuals undergo problems in implementing these traits. The most effective

solution that needs to be put into practice is, having strong determination. When the

individuals are determined towards the attainment of desired goals and objectives,

they will augment the traits of diligence, resourcefulness, conscientiousness, morality

and ethics. In addition, they will reinforce norms, values, and beliefs. In this manner,

they will curb psycho-spiritual stress.

Eustress

Eustress is referred to as beneficial stress. In other words, it is good stress.

Eustress produces the positive feelings of excitement. When the individuals feel happy
to a major extent due to some factors, they feel eustress. One of the major benefits of

this type of stress is, the individuals develop motivation towards the implementation

of job duties. In educational institutions as well as other organizations, the individuals

in some cases find job duties tedious and cumbersome. But when they are to earn

rewards as a result of putting into operation, difficult and challenging job duties, they

will experience eustress. Eustress is the stress that facilitates the individuals to

reinforce all the traits that would enable them to do well and generate the desired

outcomes. The individuals not only develop motivation and positive thinking towards

the implementation of job duties and responsibilities, but they are augmenting the

traits of diligence, resourcefulness, conscientiousness, morality and ethics.

Furthermore, they understand that when they will be healthy physically and have sound

mind-sets, they will be able to do well in their job duties, achieve personal and

professional goals and bring about improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives.

Therefore, it is essential for the individuals to understand that they need to control

their feelings and should express excitement to a major extent.

How Stress can be beneficial to the Individuals?

Stress can be beneficial to the individuals. The various aspects that highlight

how stress can be beneficial to the individuals are, it brings about improvements in

cognitive function, develops motivation among individuals, enables them to develop

skills and abilities to cope with various types of problems and challenges, one is able

to do well in their job duties, achieve personal and professional goals and bring about

improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives. The improvements in cognitive

function enables the individuals to make wise and productive decisions, and develop

skills and abilities to cope with various types of problems and challenges. The

individuals develop motivation towards the implementation of job duties. When they

develop motivation, they are able to develop positive thinking and their mind-sets get

stimulated towards the implementation of job duties and generation of desired

outcomes. Furthermore, when the individuals are to gain suitable rewards, then they

will carry out their job duties, diligently and enthusiastically. Therefore, it can be stated,

in this manner, stress can be beneficial to the individuals in stimulating their mind-sets

towards learning and understanding.

In order to do well in their job duties, achieve personal and professional goals

and bring about improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives, the individuals need

to put emphasis upon the up-gradation of various types of skills, i.e. communication,

decision making, time management, personal, professional, leadership, negotiation,

analytical, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Within the course of pursuance

of education or implementing job duties within employment settings or in the case of

the implementation of household responsibilities, the individuals are required to

up-grade their skills and abilities. Hence, when the individuals experience stress in

these areas, they focus upon honing their skills. It is apparently understood that within

the course of putting into practice various tasks and activities within as well as

outside the homes, there are occurrence of various types of problems and challenges.

In order to cope with them, one needs to focus upon the up-gradation of various types

of skills and abilities. Therefore, it can be stated, enables them to develop skills and

abilities to cope with various types of problems and challenges is one of the

indispensable benefits of stress.

It is comprehensively understood that all individuals aspire to do well in their

job duties, and achieve personal and professional goals. In educational institutions as

well as other organizations, the individuals in some cases find job duties difficult and

burdensome. But when they understand that they will be able to benefit through the

implementation of their job duties in an effective manner, they will overcome stress.

Furthermore, they will render a wholehearted contribution towards generating the

desired outcomes. When individuals are to earn rewards as a result of putting into

operation, difficult and challenging job duties, they will experience stress. As a result

of this stress, the individuals support all the traits that would enable them to do well
and generate the desired outcomes. The individuals not only develop inspiration and

positive thinking towards the implementation of job duties and responsibilities, but

they are augmenting the traits of diligence, resourcefulness, conscientiousness,

morality and ethics. These will be favourable to the individuals as well as others.

Therefore, enabling the individuals to do well in their job duties, and achieve personal

and professional goals is a benefit of stress.

In bringing about improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives, there are

number of factors that are taken into account by the individuals, i.e. being aware in

terms of job duties and responsibilities; recognizing one’ s goals and objectives to

achieve; learning to cope with various types of psychological problems of anger,

depression, anxiety, frustration and trauma; implementing the ways to promote

physical health, i.e. diet and nutrition, exercise and physical activities, and obtaining

medical check-ups on a regular basis; communicating effectively with others; creating

a pleasant environment within homes as well as workplace with proper infrastructure,

amenities and facilities; treating others with respect and courtesy; obtaining help from

others in providing solutions to various types of problems and difficulties; augmenting

the traits of diligence, resourcefulness, conscientiousness, morality and ethics and

practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, breathing exercises,

cognitive reframing, and progressive muscle relaxation. In this manner, the individuals

are able to promote physical and psychological well-being. Therefore, it is understood,

the benefit of stress is, it enables the individuals to implement the ways that are

necessary to bring about improvements in one’ s overall quality of lives.

Conclusion

It is apparently understood that individuals experience stress in their lives. In

some cases, it is experienced on a frequent basis, whereas, in other cases, it is

experienced seldom. The various factors in terms of which individuals experience

stress are, family, relationships, household chores and responsibilities, education,

employment opportunities, training, career prospects, environmental conditions within

homes, the working environmental conditions, health problems and illnesses, travelling,

implementing safety measures and so forth. The different types of stress are, acute

stress, episodic acute stress, chronic stress, emotional stress, battling burnout,

physical stress, psychological stress, psycho-social stress, psycho-spiritual stress, and

eustress. The various aspects that highlight how stress can be beneficial to the

individuals are, it brings about improvements in cognitive function, develops

motivation among individuals, enables them to develop skills and abilities to cope with

various types of problems and challenges, one is able to do well in their job duties,

achieve personal and professional goals and bring about improvements in one’ s

overall quality of lives. Finally, it can be stated, when the individuals are aware in terms

of measures and strategies to maintain a normal mind-set and prevent stress from

assuming a major form, they are able to do well in their job duties, achieve the desired

goals and bring about improvements in one’ s living conditions.

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