Understanding Stress: From Hans Selye’s Discovery to Daily Life Management
What Is Stress – And Where Did the Term Come From?
In today’s fast-paced world, the word stress is ever-present. But where did it come from, and what does it really mean?
The concept of stress was first introduced by Hans Selye, a pioneering endocrinologist, in the 1930s. Before Selye’s work, people described similar experiences using words like “strain,” “overburdened,” or “nervous exhaustion.” Selye gave structure to these vague terms by defining stress as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change.”
Stress in Simple Terms
Put simply, stress is how our body reacts to pressure—whether physical, emotional, or mental. It’s controlled by our autonomic nervous system, the part of the body that automatically manages processes like heartbeat, digestion, and respiration.
Some stress is actually good for us. Known as eustress, it helps sharpen focus, increase motivation, and enhance performance. Think of the way adrenaline helps you meet a deadline or prepare for an important event—it’s a natural and useful part of being human.
When Stress Becomes Harmful
However, not all stress is helpful. When stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, our nervous system struggles to switch off from the “fight or flight” response. This can result in:
Sleep issues
Muscle tension
Digestive problems
Anxiety or depression
Weakened immunity
Often, we don’t realise we’re under too much stress until we hit burnout or experience what used to be called a nervous breakdown. By then, the toll on our health and quality of life can be significant.
Trauma, Boundaries, and the Nervous System
People with a history of trauma may be more vulnerable to stress. Traumatic experiences can lead to a constriction of the nervous system, making us hypersensitive to perceived threats or pressures. It can also impair our ability to respond assertively, leading to:
Poor boundary-setting
People-pleasing behaviours
Difficulty saying “no”
A tendency to take on too much
Without clear internal boundaries, we absorb stressors that aren't ours to carry. Over time, this puts us at heightened risk of overwhelm and mental health decline.
How to Stay in a Healthy Zone of Operation
The key to sustainable wellbeing is stress awareness and active management. By tuning in to early signs of dysregulation—tight shoulders, shallow breathing, irritability—we can take steps to reset.
Strategies for Managing Stress
Move your body regularly – walking, yoga, or swimming all help.
Use breathwork or mindfulness – these support nervous system balance.
Set clear boundaries – at work, in relationships, and with yourself.
Get support if needed – professional guidance can be invaluable.
Final Takeaways
Stress is a natural response to change or pressure, first defined by Hans Selye.
It can help or harm, depending on how well it’s managed.
Trauma can increase sensitivity to stress and weaken our ability to cope.
Awareness and healthy boundaries are key to long-term resilience.
Seeking professional support is a strength, not a weakness.
Need Support Managing Stress?
If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to manage your stress levels, you're not alone. Professional help can make a real difference.
Tom Carter Hypnotherapy in Norwich specialises in helping clients understand and reduce stress, manage trauma, and regain calm and clarity in their lives. Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, trauma-related triggers, or simply feeling off balance, Tom offers a compassionate and practical approach to healing and personal growth.
