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Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple of pounds.

She replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass doesn’t matter. It all
depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s fairly light. If I hold it for
an hour straight, its weight might make my arm ache a little. If I hold it for a day straight,

my arm will likely cramp up and feel completely numb and paralysed, forcing me to drop
the glass. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the

heavier it feels to me.” So remember to just stay cool and focussed, always. Stress is not
what happens to us; it’s our response to what happens. And that response is something we

can choose.

“How heavy is this glass of water that I’m holding?” What would be your answer
if the professor asked you this question?

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Reflection Centre

Almost everyone experiences stress once in a while. Do you feel that more is expected of

you than you can achieve by your parents and teachers? That is a stress for you. How can
you manage this stress? Simple! Just do your best. Stress is basically the wear-and-tear of
daily life. Stress management is very efficient as it helps in breaking the hold which stress
has on our lives. Moreover, you can also become happy, healthy, and more productive

because of it. The ultimate goal should be to live a balanced life and have the resilience to
hold up under pressure. If there is effective stress management, we can help one another
break the hold of stress on our lives.

Causes of Stress

1. Increased academic demands and examinations.

2. Poor time management and leaving assignments for the last minute.

3. Changes in family relations and the demands of the family or problems at home.
4. Changes in your school and social life.

5. Exposure to new friends, ideas, and peer pressure.

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