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5 2023 EXAM STRESS GUIDE Stress is a normal response to challenging circumstances, and it can be caused by good, as well as bad events. Planning for a holiday or moving houses can trigger stress just as starting a new job or final examinations. A little bit of stress is not a bad thing. It mobilises our bodies, and energises us during the coping process. But being over-stressed may result in a range of health problems, including headaches, upset stomach or high blood pressure. There are probably as many definitions of stress as there are causes, since stress means different things to different people. Some thrive on the adrenaline of a frantic lifestyle and constant crises, while others feel tense at the slightest deviation from their routine. Most people however, fall between these two extremes. It is only when feelings of tension, pressure and strain begin to affect the quality of our lives that it is time to take stock of the situation. The telltale signs of "bad" stress • Not being able to sleep properly • Poor concentration and increased irritability • Drinking caffeine excessively • An inability to make decisions, and increased frustration • Heart palpitations, a 'lump' in the throat or stomach, dry mouth and slight tremor of the hands • Always feeling that something needs to be done, and that you simply cannot sit and relax. More worrying symptoms • Chest pain, radiating into the neck or arm • An inability to swallow food properly, especially bread or meat • Weight loss or change in the normal bowel habit • A rapid or erratic pulse rate for no obvious reason, which may occur when relaxed or at rest. Deciding when you need further help Everyone has a different stress threshold, but most people need further help when some or all of the following occur: • Life no longer feels enjoyable - it is a constant struggle to feel on top of things • Relationships are put at risk because of stress symptoms • Feeling irritable and angry/frustrated every day • Feelings of self-loathing develop, and self- esteem is affected. How the mind affects the body Students studying for a test are at higher risk of becoming ill closer to exam time; persons who have suffered from a heart attack recover more quickly if their emotional state is stronger; and persons with terminal illnesses enjoy a higher quality of life if they are surrounded by friends and family. CHAPTER 2: STRESS IN GENERAL