When feelings of stress override all other emotions and the ‘good’ stress gets warped and twisted, we feel anxious, tense, worried and uneasy. This is the time when stress becomes ‘bad’ and needs to be disciplined!

When overstressed, we do not worry simply about what is happening, but start imagining all the dreadful things that might happen. Typically, we do this in response to an unexpected turn of events, or in times of uncertainty - when, for example, a spouse is late arriving home. At such times many of us are likely to create vivid ‘mental videos’ of impending doom, and playing them repeatedly to ourselves. Thus, we can literally worry ourselves sick. Since stress is unavoidable, it is best to develop the ability to use ‘good’ stress to our advantage and prevent ‘bad’ stress from spoiling our lives and making us ill.

Persistent stress can lead to several health problems and chronic diseases like hypertension, depression, diabetes, cancer and heart attacks. Unchecked stress may also result in alcohol or drug abuse as well as unhealthy behaviour like overeating.

The absence of stress may seem safe, even desirable, but it is actually quite dangerous. Those who suddenly lose their sense of challenge - perhaps after winning a match or retiring from a successful career - frequently enter a period of physical and mental decline. It is as though they are in some sort of a trauma. Complete absence of stress makes our lives monotonous and dull. However, when all situations that confront us become a tedious challenge, to be overcome and the urge to control life events and people in one’s environment is intense, then excessive stress begins to impede our lives.

There is a need to stay fit and happy to avoid mental tensions. This will not just benefit how you do at work and how you manage your thoughts, but help you to focus on the goodness of life. Those around you will enjoy your company if you are upbeat, alive and raring to go!