Myths About Stress That We Should Banish

In its fair measure, stress can even be beneficial. In fact, there are many myths about stress that are worth eradicating from collective thinking. This physiological reaction has been “demonized” and used in response to many emotional problems. However, we should not hold you responsible for everything that happens to us. Do we demystify it?

Curious myths about stress

First of all, we should know what we are talking about. Stress is a reaction of the body that arises in order to be able to face a threatening or dangerous situation. It is the response to a stimulus and allows us, for example, to flee or defend ourselves, as the case may be.

Therefore, there are some myths about stress that we might want to put aside:

1. Stress is always bad

In reality, it all depends on the amount or intensity with which it manifests itself. And how long it is maintained over time. While there is a negative stress known as distress, there is also a positive one, called eustress. The “beneficial” is the one that responds to the natural and habitual process that allows us to adapt, solve a problem or do something that takes us more effort.

On the contrary, harmful stress is one that causes side effects such as fatigue, anxiety, anger, irritability or headache. This, in turn, causes an increase in energy expenditure and a rapid depletion of forces. Therefore, if we are stressed we do not have the ability to pay attention, concentrate or sleep well.

2. Stress affects everyone

This is half true. On the one hand, it is true that the body reacts to stress regardless of our age or nationality. But, on the other hand, it can trigger totally different effects depending on the person. For some it is synonymous with insomnia and for others with excessive sleep. In some it causes fatigue and in others, motivation.

3. Stress is impossible to fight

Another widespread myth that regards this reaction as a “global epidemic”. It is true that in the globalized world almost everyone is stressed, but that does not mean that nothing can be done to reduce or avoid it. There are simple techniques to avoid feeling overwhelmed, to rest better, to be in contact with nature or to learn how to say “no” to an additional task.

It all depends on our attitude towards stress. We can blame it for all our problems or reactions, or we can face it and fight it to lower its levels. If it is mishandled, it can have many consequences for our body.

4. Stress with symptoms is the only one that can be treated

This is another myth about stress that is a total fallacy. Some people do not have the usual symptoms of distress, but this does not mean that they do not suffer from it. There are even those who “hide” these signs with medication, for example, the consumption of sleeping pills.

The only ones who can tell when we are stressed are ourselves. Beyond the usual symptoms, no one better than oneself to detect anomalies in our character, our habits or our emotions.

5. Stress is responsible for all problems

Many times, we blame stress to disengage from responsibilities. We treat our partner badly and it is because we are stressed; we are not efficient at work and it is because of stress. We don’t go to the gym because worries don’t allow us to think about anything else; we have traffic accidents because of the problems …

It would be good if we took charge of our mistakes and did not hide behind a physical reaction that, although it exists, does not have to be responsible. Stress can appear from having many obligations, but that does not mean that we are entitled to anything for the simple fact of “being stressed.”

6. Stress improves when life is easy

It is believed that people with money or those who do not work of their own accord are not stressed. It is thought that this is an “evil” only for mere mortals who must attend their jobs on a daily basis or who have financial problems. In addition,  many think that if they had a simpler life in the field or in the mountains, they would not have stress.

All of this is false. Because although it is related to external events or situations, it also depends on how we react or act before them. For example, someone may be overcome with having to organize a wedding, while someone else may see it as a beautiful moment to enjoy.

7. Stress is eradicated with yoga and meditation

These two techniques are likely to be very helpful in reducing symptoms, but they are not a lifesaver or the expected miracle. Another myth about stress is related to the recreational or relaxing activities that we do or not do.

Meditating every morning or every night will give you greater peace of mind, but that does not mean that you are guaranteed never to stress again in life. A massage session can decontract and relax, but if we return to the office later and become stressed… it will not help.

8. Stress only affects adults

Nothing further from reality. Unfortunately, more and more children are under stress due to family pressures and the large number of extracurricular activities they do. The little ones also suffer from the loss of a loved one (a relative or a pet), a move or the separation of parents.

Now that we know a little more about stress, we can learn to cope with it. It is inevitable to face stressful situations throughout life, but demystifying it and demonizing preconceptions is easier to cope with.

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