Stress lurks around us, like a silent intruder, just waiting to empower and seize our entire presence. This quiet response could easily be triggered with or without notice. Stress, as stated by Coon et al. (2022), "is the pressure or demand placed on an organism to adjust or adapt" (p.419). I interpret this as our immediate response to stress, which can manifest as a racing heartbeat, changes in breathing, and muscle twitching, among other symptoms. The hassle, as described by Neurolaunch (2024), "are minor irritations and frustrations that we encounter in our everyday lives" (para. 2). In my opinion, the manifestations of one or a series of hassles would then create the response to stress within our nervous system.

The responsibility of ensuring that the airport rules and regulations are implemented and complied with would be considered a daily hassle for me. My stress is receiving a hefty fine from the Transportation Security Administration if, during a test or audit, a violation of a regulation is observed.

Some of the ways stress has affected me are that I feel tense, my blood pressure rises, and I tend to snack on junk food more often while I work. If I am aware of my stress, I can usually lower it by slowing myself down, taking deep breaths, and going for a walk outside. Overall, I have incorporated several practices into my lifestyle, including listening to self-help audiobooks or podcasts, taking long walks, and, more recently, trying meditation. However, finding quiet time to do so has been challenging.