8 things that are Scientifically more stressful than breaking the law

8 things that are Scientifically more stressful than breaking the law

7. Getting married

Kortni Carico
Kortni Carico Jul 25, 2018
242
views

In 1967, Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe created a scale based on scientific research on the effects of stressful events and their correlation to future health implications. This scale is now called the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale (shocker, I know), and it ranks the stressors in order of how much they affect daily life and probability of illness as a result.

At the bottom of the list is minor violations of the law, such as jaywalking or speeding tickets. I can just picture myself hyperventilating at the police officer for going through a yellow light four years ago, but it having little effect on the outcome of my health later. Surprisingly enough, there are 41 life-changing events that have been considered effective on you over health (check out the scale here, provided from Dartmouth University).

1. Major holidays

Scientifically, Christmas is considered a stressful life event. Just think about how EVERY year, you have to see estranged family members, eat mystery food, and guilt yourself into buying unnecessary gifts.

2. Vacations

Shockingly enough, your relief from your 9-5 day job and heading to paradise is actually considered a life-changing stressor! Now in comparison to a change in responsibilities at work or a different line of work (both higher up on this scale), vacationing is less stressful, but it is still more stressful than the ominous of every day. Planning, agreeing, paying, and the pressure to have fun is actually impacting your health!

3. Beginning and ending school

Thank Jesus I never have to apply for college undergraduate schools again... oh the endless possibilities and terrifying self-judgment. While heading off to college was an exciting and trivial time, this is definitely a stressor for the books. In contrast, finishing school is equally, if not more, stressful because of the unknown ahead. I'm stressing bro because big kid jobs and 401k's are in the near future.

4. Outstanding personal acheivements

Okay seriously!? Who knew that Nobel Peace Prizes, Job Promotions, and other great accomplishments are stressful and potentially making one more susceptible to illness because I am shook. Unless you count a rise to fame because of said accomplishments. The newfound responsibilities and projection of oneself are actually stressful AF, be aware of success, people!

5. Change in frequency of arguments

I find this one surprisingly up on the list, simply because of the specifics of it. I think it is only a stressful life-changer because of the keyword "frequency". So, if you were to fight with your S.O. every week, that's stressful. But if you now fight 2-3 times a week, now you are more stressed than if you have a mortgage over $20,000. I think the real question is, does the inverse also create an epic amount of stress? Say you argue less. You think you'd be less stressed, but not according to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale (no escaping the stress)!

6. Pregancy

This one... I get it. Like I'd be hella stressed if I was growing a baby in me like one of that miracle grow Chia Pets. The care of a baby on the way is enough to freak not only the momma out but also everyone invested in her and the baby's well-being. Well deserved, life change.

7. Getting married

Wedding bells are ringing and so are your ears from the tinnitus of stress. Any life change can be stressful, but the "happy couple" is just a giant ball of stress while being surrounded by white dresses, wedding rings, bridezillas, gluten-free cakes, open bars, and the disgust of the father of the bride. Yikes.

8. The death of a spouse

Coming in at number 1, the death of a spouse is considered the most stressful event in terms of impact on health. Not surprising, but affirming that the heart has the most power over the body's wellbeing. Mourning of any kind is on this list, but losing a soul-mate and partner for life is debilitating to many. It makes getting sent to prison feel like a cake walk. I want to take this stressful event to give a pause for anyone who has ever lost a loved one, especially a spouse. Keep on, keepin' on.

To put everything into perspective, you never know what kind of stress affects people, and the magnitude of their crises and life-changes. It can be as simple as a birthday, or as shattering as divorce.

Cover Image Credit:

https://unsplash.com/photos/wuo8KnyCm4I

Kortni Carico
Kortni Carico Jul 25, 2018
At Creighton University
At Creighton University

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To the Person Who Has a Lot of Friends But Doesn't Belong Anywhere

You are blessed and you are loved by many. So please ignore those negative thoughts that tell you otherwise.
Erika Danielle Flores
Erika Danielle Flores Nov 28, 2016
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You are blessed and you are loved by many. So please ignore those negative thoughts that tell you otherwise.

You’re a friendly person, a social butterfly, making friends wherever you are, wherever you go. You touch many hearts with your fun personality and caring demeanor.

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However, I understand because there are days when you feel like there is no one to hang out with. All your friends are busy hanging out with someone else or you check your social media and see that all your friends are in their respective groups hanging out and having fun. You question why it’s hard for you to belong anywhere.

But I just want to let you know that you’re important. You’re not overlooked. You’re not forgotten. You are truly loved despite what your inner thoughts are saying in your head. You may not belong to a certain group of friends. But the fact that you are welcomed to so many groups says so much about your personality.

The fact that you have so many friends means that you have many whom you can rely on and who can rely on you.

You’re not the only person who feels this way. In fact, I know this feeling of loneliness. I also feel self-doubt in my ability to have friends and keep them. I, too, question why I can’t have one group of friends that I can constantly rely on.

But I realize now that it’s silly for me and you to feel this way. It’s not about belonging. It’s about doing. It’s about being there for others even if they aren’t there for you. It’s about giving love as much as your heart can allow. It’s not about being special, but making others feel special.

Stop looking for a place to belong. You’re not the type of person that belongs to one group. You’re meant to bring happiness to so many more. Cheers to you who doesn’t belong in one place. You’re a friend that everyone loves, and that should be more than enough to make you realize that you belong in a special place in their hearts.

Cover Image Credit: Kristianne Lopez
Erika Danielle Flores
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14 Things You Relate To If You Grew Up WithOUT Any Cousins

*GASP* "What, you really don't have any cousins?"

Kelsey Dietrich
Kelsey Dietrich Mar 18, 2019
506
views

It always shocks every person who hears me state that I do not have any cousins. For some reason, this is just hard for people to really believe when it's actually not something impossible. I think we are all just so used to large families that it sounds weird when people say that they have no cousins. Yet, it is definitely a potential reality, and actually impossible if each of your parents is the only child to your grandparents.

Here are 14 things that you can relate to if you grew up without any cousins.

1. Nobody believes you when you say that you don't have any cousins

I'm serious, for the tenth time.

2. Your grandparents spoil you

With no other grandchildren to worry about, it's pretty easy to do.

3. You don't understand when people say that cousins are your first best friends

My best friend was my first best friend.

4. You and your siblings are always the youngest people at family events

This was simultaneosuly a good thing and a bad thing.

5. You get all of the attention at holidays

Since you're the youngest one around, then distant relatives are always doting over you.

6. Everything you do is deemed awesome by your extended family because there is nobody to compete with

It's much easier to be praised when you aren't being compared to someone similar to your age.

7. You don't know how to hold babies

You're never around them so why would you?

8. Family photos are pretty easy to coordinate

The less people, the easier.

9. Other family members spoil you just because 

Afterall, you are the only kid around...

10. The family will make comments regarding the potential for you to have a cousin as a justification for why they aren't doing something for you

When you hear, "I can't buy you too much because someday your aunt is going to have kids and I will have to do the same for them" you cringe and just had to know that all of the attention wouldn't last forever.

11. Birthdays are always a big deal

A perk of not having very many to remember.

12. If your parents' siblings own pets, then you refer to the animal as your cousin

Cat cousins, dog cousins, lizard cousins, and fish cousins can be pretty cool, actually.

13. Sometimes you dream of marrying into a big family

This is to ensure that your kids do grow up with cousins.

14. You appreciate the closeness of your tight-knit fam

Maybe the only thing you would miss if you had a big family is the opportunity to develop such close bonds with the few relatives that you do have.

Kelsey Dietrich
Kelsey Dietrich Mar 18, 2019
At Bowling Green State University

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