At least, I am. My argument is that many of us are, often due to both biological and behavioral factors.
As far as I understand, whether people are more or less addicted to stress depends on their hormonal levels, which are determined by genetics.
At fifty, I have been monitoring my stress addiction for years, using a scientific approach. In uncertain situations, I tend to feel stressed, while I believe others would remain calm.
This isn’t the best thing, but it is my default setting and I really can’t do anything about it. According to Dr. Alexey Sitnikov, a prominent psychologist and political consultant, my tutor at Moscow State back in the 90s, the genetically defined hormonal levels make up 50% of our state of mind and feeling of comfort. In other words, our feeling of happiness.
These hormonal levels are defined by serotonin, dopamine, endorphin, and oxytocin, which are known as neurotransmitters. If these levels are genetically high, the person feels more positive due to their built-in features. On the contrary, low levels of neurotransmitters lead to a person being sad and pessimistic.
I suspect, but am not sure, that my levels are low, as I tend to expect failure, not success, in a 50/50 situation.
The trick is that the other 40% of our state of mind is shaped by how we manage our dopamine system. Managing dopamine involves discipline, self-motivation, and setting achievable goals. While dopamine levels may remain constant, there are techniques and skills that enable us to optimize and raise these levels.
This is how to be more positive and successful. I know from experience. At 17, I wanted badly to go to America, so I worked hard, especially in English. At 18, I became a foreign exchange student in Texas. My Alaska endeavors followed a similar path.
And, yes, only 10% of our state of mind and happiness/unhappiness indicator is defined by outside factors.
One person may be happy behind bars, owing to genetic neurotransmitter levels and effective dopamine management. Another may feel sad in a luxurious palace, despite comfort.
Even with low levels of these four neurotransmitters, you still have up to a 40% increase in your ability to make changes and reduce your dependence on stress.
No pain, no gain: we must work on this all our lives. I think the outcome is worth the effort.
Are we addicted to stress?
Mrs B reckons I simply can’t live without some sort of stress in my life. She may be right. Of course, when I was working, stress was all around me. All the time. I seemed to thrive on it. I know the science – stress releases adrenaline and cortisol, which heightens alertness and energy . Lack of stress always made me feel somewhat guilty and restless, as if relaxation was a waste of time. Eventually, my body gave up on me, and I suffered a massive mental breakdown – I was an emotional wreck. I gave up work, and luckily, retirement was just around the corner.
Since recovering, I have kept myself busy with writing, producing podcasts, running a choir, and playing sport. But it’s my choice now, I don’t have to do any of that, so the stress that comes with it is very acceptable to me. I have learnt to relax as well, and have long since lost that guilty edge.
But could I live without that stress that I have imposed upon myself? Do I need that adrenaline rush when arranging a new piece for the choir, or competing in sport, or recording a new podcast?
The answer is a definite yes! I’ve grown so used to the storm, that I probably can’t do without it. But nowadays I remember what calm and stillness feels like. That’s the big difference.
Are we addicted to stress?
Some certainly are. Everybody has that one friend who seems just addicted to drama. Bouncing between friends and embroiled in an endless string of fights. Me? No way! In fact, I’m just the opposite; I don’t like stress at all. One of my favorite maxims is that drama belongs on TV.
I’ll even take that a step further: I’m allergic to negative energy. I don’t like to be around people who constantly complain and see the worst in others. It seems to affect me and soon I feel bad.
I have read that people and animals who experience higher stress do not live as long . That just feels right to me. Imagine what it would be like to be a wildebeest in Africa; forever worried about that lion with your name written on it. Will this be your last day? That’s hard-core stress.
I would be the world’s worst criminal; I would live in constant stress, even fear. Petrified about being arrested and put in the same cell as Bubba, the gay 400-pound rapist. Do you ever wonder about these criminal guys? Really, they seem to be completely unconcerned about the walls closing in and all that junk. I would be a hot mess. I’m sure I would tell on myself “No officer, I didn’t J-walk, but does it count if I killed that nun?”
So no, I’m not addicted to stress… but I like boxed wine. Don’t know if that counts.