Stress, Article Review Example

 In Sonja Treven’s “Individual Methods for Reducing Stress in Work Settings”, she notes that times are changing rapidly, which has resulted in changing values for individuals. She says we live in a world that is developing so fast, it requires constant adjustments to the technological changes (Treven, 1). She says, self-perception decides how an individual handles stress. This is specifically true as it relates to how one perceives them self.  Her argument is that people who have positive and reasonably accurate concepts of “self” have high levels of esteem. They have confidence in themselves (Treven , 1). She notes that this leads to major contrast. For example, some people believe they are masters of their own fate, while others believe their fate is just subject to luck or chance. She notes that those who believe they are masters of their own fate are type A personalities and those who believe in luck are type B. She says, that research shows that type A people are three times more likely to have a stroke or a heart attack than their type B counter parts. They are doing the same kind of work or living in the same conditions (Treven, 2). The reasoning behind this is very deep as she notes that people who believe they are in control of their own fate tend to be more rigid and rule oriented, so they are more vulnerable to stress. While the ones who believe they are a product of luck just believe that things are flexible, therefore their life is flexible. When one is able to realize that life is out of their control, they are more likely to not take the blame for their successes or their failures. This leads to a less stress filled environment.  She does however identify exercise as a great deterrent for stress. She says, physical acts, like jogging, aerobic dance, swimming, and cycling are an important part of maintaining healthy stress free lives. She argues these actions protect against stress and stress related illnesses (Treven, 2).  In this section the author recognizes exercise as the most important natural medication for stress.

Meditation is also recognized as a greater deterrent from stress. She doesn’t directly identify it as meditation, she says, “An extension of deep breathing is progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)…With PMR, an individual is instructed to assume a comfortable position and to begin to breathe deeply (Treven, 3).” Physicians recommend this form of meditation to combat many sicknesses associated with stress. One of the main diseases associated with stress is heart disease or shortness of breath, or abdominal problems (Treven, 3). On a psychological level, meditation is also recognized as a tool to control one’s emotions, as the author notes, meditation can be applied to lessen the negative feelings people have mentally (Treven, 3). Yoga is mentioned for its ability to enables individuals to control stress on a physical and mental level.

The core argument of the article is that exercises such as cardiovascular workouts and yoga in collaboration with meditation can reduce stress. It’s also recognized that stress if more detrimental to health for certain people than for others. Individuals who believe they have control over every aspect of their lives are also more likely to feel responsible when things don’t go their way. These individuals are more likely to contract the medical health risks triggered by stress such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke. The main position the article takes is that for these particular individuals it is paramount that they incorporate a routine of yoga, medication or some other form of exercise into their lives.