We all have our thoughts on what stress is and sometimes these thoughts may not be accurate. Let's look at some of the facts and myths associated with stress.  

Myth: Stress comes from our environment. 
Fact: Stress comes from our thoughts about our circumstances. As a result, different people could react very differently to a similar situation. 

Myth: Stress pushes people to work harder. 
Fact: Not everyone feels motivated under pressure. Some people feel stimulated by stress, while it leaves others feeling overwhelmed and unable to work efficiently. 

Myth: Stress is easily handled by youngsters. 

Fact: Whether a person is 20 or 70, what makes the difference is each person's threshold to handle stress. This ability to cope varies with individuals, regardless of age. 

Myth: Only negative incidents cause stress. 
Fact: This is not true. Even positive events in our lives can cause us to feel stressed. For example, while a new role in the office or a wedding in the family may bring happiness, it can also cause strain. 

Myth: Stress comes only from our professional environment. 
Fact: Stress can be from any area of one's life. Workplace stress is commonly experienced and discussed, but we must also be aware of and take steps to manage stress from our personal sphere. 

Myth: Only if I go on a holiday will my stress be relieved. 
Fact: Spending even a couple of minutes daily doing things that we like can bring our stress levels down and refresh us for challenges that need our attention. 

Myth: Work stress and personal stress have no connection with one another. 
Fact: Though all of us ideally like to separate our work life and personal life, it is hard to cut off from the emotional aspects of each of these domains. When we feel stressed at home, it does tend to impact our work and vice versa. 

Myth: Women are more stress prone. 
Fact: Both men and women are equally prone to stress. Stress affects each one differently, but no one is exempt. 

Myth: if I am eating and sleeping well, that means I am not prone to stress. 
Fact: Although the loss of sleep and variations in eating patterns are often signs of chronic stress, sometimes signs of stress are not overly prominent. Despite this, it is still important to work towards a good work-life balance to minimize the effects of stress. 

Myth: Smoking or drinking is stress-relieving.  

Fact: Substances only provide a temporary sense of relief; it does not address the actual stress or the reasons for it. And if the consumption is not managed well, it can lead to problems like addiction in the long run.  

Myth: Talking about stress does not help. 
Fact: During a difficult time, sharing our thoughts and feelings with a trustworthy person can give us a sense of relief. In fact, reaching out for social support is a healthy way of coping with stress. 

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help.