Causes of Stress Differentials Between Individuals

Causes of Stress Differentials Between Individuals Stress Management Effects on Health Print Causes of Stress Differentials Between Individuals By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on June 24, 2019 How Stress Impacts Your Health Overview Signs of Burnout Stress and Weight Gain Benefits of Exercise Stress Reduction Tips Self-Care Practices Mindful Living katleho Seisa / Getty Images Have you ever noticed that some people seem to thrive in chaos, while others get overwhelmed by even positive changes in their lives? Stress is a highly subjective experience. While many of us are stressed by roughly the same thingsâ€"jobs, money, being overscheduled, relationship conflictâ€"different people may react more or less strongly to the same situation for several reasons: Differences in Resources One widely-accepted definition of stress is that it’s what occurs when the perceived demands of a situation outweigh one’s available resources. This leads people to perceive themselves threatened, which triggers the body’s stress response and the experience of being stressed. Therefore, the level of resources one has available can make a significant difference in whether someone experiences stress in a given situation. It’s also important to note that resources refer to external factors such as physical and emotional assistance from others, money, and other physical resources, as well as internal factors such as knowledge, experience, and courage. The difference  in available resources is a major factor in why two people may face the same situation and experience it differently. Build Your Resources Create strong friendships, so youll have greater social support in times of stress.Plan ahead in terms of time and money, so youll have some reserves in case of emergency.Try to have a plan B in case things go wrong. This doesnt mean you always think that the worst-case scenario will happen or that your plan A is destined to fail, but rather that youre prepared for anything. Differences in Physiology Some people are naturally more sensitive and reactive to stress. Differences in temperament, a collection of inborn personality traits that can be observed as early as infancy, can cause some people to be naturally more resilient in the face of stress while others can feel more threatened and less able to cope. While we can’t change the temperament we were born with, we can become more aware of our predispositions and work around them by building up skills that may compensate for certain sensitivities, or structure our lifestyles to minimize certain stress triggers. Build Your Personal Resilience Talk to a trusted friend in times of crisis, to gain support and perspective.Give yourself time to process whats going on in your life (through journaling, for example) before immediately reacting. Its helpful (but not completely essential) to have a spiritual focus that works for you.Certain stress management techniques (like meditation and exercise, for example) can build your resilience in the face of future stressors. Try them. 5 Ways You May Be Making Things Harder for Yourself Differences in Meaning Associated With Circumstances Another factor that affects whether a situation is perceived as stressful is the meaning that people find in the situations. Having a sense of control in a situation, for example, can make it feel much less threatening and more empowering. (Think of people with very few possessions because they are choosing a lifestyle of voluntary simplicity versus those who have very little because they’ve lost most of their assets in a poor economy.) Looking at the same situation as a challenge instead of a threat can make a potentially stressful experience feel invigorating instead of overwhelming. (Think of doing work that utilizes your talents and abilities versus work that’s monotonous or just too hardâ€"doesn’t it feel different?) And cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help you see the potential gains of a situation rather than only the difficulties. (Many people talk about looking for the gift in a crisis.) Change the Way You Look at Life Work on cultivating a sense of humor about things.Practice seeing the world as an optimist.Try other reframing techniques. A Word From Verywell If youre someone who gets stressed more easily, there are things you can do. Approach stress management from all different angles, including building your resources and resilience and changing the way you look at stressful situations.