ONU Blog: Stress

Stress. The feeling that is almost ever present within the college community. Each student here at Ohio Northern University feels it at some point for one reason or another. Whether it is classes, homework, friends or family stress finds it's way into our lives.

The presence of stress is not all bad though. It can be great motivator to do better in many capacities. There is research showing that stress can improve performance is tense situations. Stress exemplifies concern and desire in people. In this way it is almost a performance enhancer. It can have physical benefits like allowing the body to push itself harder. Mental benefits can also be extended such as decision making speed and focus. But like a drug, stress can also have severe drawbacks when found in large quantities.

While in short bursts stress can be beneficial, in large amounts it can be harmful to one's health. Large amounts of stress is associated with physical heath issues such as hair loss, high blood pressure, sleep deprivation and more. Mental issues are also present with stress causing anxiety, depression, iterability and other problems. Sometimes we can tell when the fall to health issues is going to happen, but frequently we don't know the stress is harming us until it has already done some damage physically, mentally or socially.

So let this be a short but important warning. Let stress fuel you in the right way. Let stress motivate you in healthy ways to succeed and excel in life. But be careful with how much you let it control you. Go to far and you'll realize the damages a little too late.