Part –I Stress – According to Scriptures and Modern Science Part –II Co-relation of Stress with BMI, GTT & TSH in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract

Stress refers to the consequence of the failure of an organism, human or other animal torespond adequately to mental, emotional, or physical demands, whether actual or imagined. In general, stress is related to both external and internal factors. External factors include thephysical environment, including job, relationships with others, home, and all the situations,challenges, difficulties, and expectations one is confronted with on a daily basis. Internal factors determine body's ability to respond to, and deal with, the external stress-inducing factors. Internal factors which influence the ability to handle stress include nutritional status,overall health and fitness levels, emotional well-being, and the amount of sleep and rest one would get. The symptoms of stress include a negative outlook, excessive worrying, inability to relax, eating/sleeping too much or too little, and nausea, alcohol or drug consumption. The term stress was first employed in a biological context by the endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s. In his usage stress refers to a condition and stressor to the stimulus causing it. It covers a wide range of phenomena, from mild irritation to drastic dysfunction that may cause severe health breakdown. According to Selye, Stress can be either positive (Eustress) or negative (Distress). Eustress is the stress that helps in enhancing ones performance. It motivates, feels exciting and is short term. Distress on the other hand is hard to cope with and may lead to anxiety, concern and can lead to mental problems.