The Multidimensional Aspect of Stress and its Management

The fast-changing pace of modern living has put human beings under insurmountable pressure. Be it the home or work place, individuals are subjected to different forms of demands and expectations. This could relate to meeting deadlines, completion of the task, reaching one's destination as per requirement, meeting one's own aspirations or families expectations, all add to the pressure. This pressure may be a harbinger of the stress experience. According to Baum (1990), stress is any uncomfortable "emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological, and behavioral changes". This multidimensional nature of stress makes its understanding quite intriguing as well as challenging. Since stress is the bane of modern life, one cannot simply remove it neither ignore it. It is here to stay. Stress gets aggravated if there is denial or reluctance to confront it. Instead of denial, one needs to identify the stress symptoms and deal with it in an effective manner. It is best to have a problem focused approach wherein one makes a positive attempt to manage the situation in a manner that either solves the problem or minimizes the impact of stress.