(I don't know where this blog belongs... see also the folder in recoll...)
1) There is plenty of academic research on stress, each requiring a precise definition for what (doesn't) qualifies as stress.
2) There are also popular self-help materials on stress, which usually require a working definition. (Together with trainings, publication is probably a billion-dollar industry).
I'm not keen about what (doesn't) qualifies as stress. I think it's more useful to focus on stress management. However, as we try and uncover the common threads running through various stressors, we often come up with our own working definition. Given the rich literature and research on stress, this is my shot to get a relatively high-level (but not vague) view of common stressors.
2) There are also popular self-help materials on stress, which usually require a working definition. (Together with trainings, publication is probably a billion-dollar industry).
I'm not keen about what (doesn't) qualifies as stress. I think it's more useful to focus on stress management. However, as we try and uncover the common threads running through various stressors, we often come up with our own working definition. Given the rich literature and research on stress, this is my shot to get a relatively high-level (but not vague) view of common stressors.
A common category of stressor is a choice. No choice, no stress.
A category of stressor is the need to stay alert without enough opportunity to relax. These have a physiological dimension. Imagine a battle field general.... In software development, some coders frequently fail to cover the important edge cases, unless they put themselves on full alert -- stressful.
A common feature of stressors is a ticking clock. The best remedy is early preparation.
A common feature of stressors is the demand of self-discipline, self-restraint and self-control. Suppose you promise to wash up after every meal...
An reasonable definition of stress is "the negative feeling when you Think that the demands on you is more than what you can handle" but this would be a slighly narrow definition and disqualifies a lot of layman's stress.
A common feature of stressors is a ticking clock. The best remedy is early preparation.
A common feature of stressors is the demand of self-discipline, self-restraint and self-control. Suppose you promise to wash up after every meal...
An reasonable definition of stress is "the negative feeling when you Think that the demands on you is more than what you can handle" but this would be a slighly narrow definition and disqualifies a lot of layman's stress.
Many stressors involve money in various forms. Many involve (potential) loss of money. I feel the damage of worry can be worse than the damage of actual loss.
An important aspect of most stressors is the physiological response and health effect. Anger, lost sleep, lost concentration, binge, drop in motivation to work out ...
-- Above are fundamental or common features of most stressors. Here are some interesting patterns in small subsets.--
Having many concurrent long-lasting tasks can be more stress than completing some to reduce multitasking. However at work multitasking is very common.
