What is Stress?

 Is it a danger to our society or a blessing, or can it be both? Not only does stress affect us as individuals, but as families as a whole. What is stress, to begin with, and what its outcomes are?

So what is stress? Stress varies from person to person. Some say stress is when you push yourself too hard or when you're overwhelmed. Stress in a broad sense is when there is a strain in your life, whether it's working out, moving, or a diet. When it causes any strain, it could be classified as stressful.

If there is no stress then there is no improvement, but if there is too much stress then there is no improvement as well. There could be a loss of improvement if there is too much stress. Finding the right balance of stress is up to individuals. No one's stress levels are the same.

The same thing can be said about families. No two families are the same. Stress levels can and will differ from family to family. However, there are some similarities in what stressful events should be avoided. The more stressful a situation is within your control, such as drug or alcohol addiction, should be avoided. However, these problems can arise within a family, and help the family come closer together. Even though growth often occurs in these situations, it comes at a cost that is extremely dangerous for the family or an individual within the family, leading to high levels of unneeded stress. A lack of stress within the family can lead to a lack of connection as well.

Stress causes us to rely on others for support to bring people together. If there is little or no stress, it becomes much easier for family members to grow apart. Needing each other for support is a strong way to bring people together. Stressful events also have the potential to reduce long-term stress down the road. Stressful events force us to connect more with others around us. This connection can lead to reduced loneliness, anxiety, and many other dangers' health problems.

Uniting under one cause has brought people together since the beginning of time. These stressful events can integrate and motivate individuals and communities to do better. One strong example of this is the American Revolutionary War. The thirteen colonies united under one cause, to maintain their way of life. Because of the system of government that they had, they wanted to improve upon it and make a better way. Thus, they created the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The same thing can happen in the family, it can have its own revelation, so to speak. Having a major problem can bring individual members of a family together with a common goal. However, stressful situations can put the family members more at odds with each other instead of bringing them together. The key lies in your approach to the issue, and how you handle the issue.

When we focus on our differences instead of what we have in common, then we will naturally drift farther apart. If we focus on what we have in common, then we will be drawn closer together. Instead of seeing family problems as a burden, look at them as a chance to grow closer to your family and build each other up. Be careful though, if there is too much stress in the family, it may lead to long-term damage instead of long-term improvement. Family dynamics are a constantly changing environment. We have to be open to experiencing the difficulties that come with being part of a family as a chance to become better. Always find what there is in common instead of what the difference is when times get hard.