I'm very interested in how stress impacts our bodies especially our health so these statements in our textbook caught my attention "People high in fluid intelligence were more often exposed to stress but were less likely to suffer from it: They used their intellect to turn stressors into positive experiences."
I've noticed that what one person views as a highly stressful experience another persons considers only mildly stressful because they knew how to respond to the stressor.
Last week I had a lot of assignments due, i.e. many stressors. I had the brilliant idea (IMO) to use the research from a research paper to write an article in another class. Because I had the fluid intelligence to make my work load lighter, the stressors caused me less stress. I felt so good about my cleverness I sent the article to one of my mentors who then commended me on the content, which definitely turned it into a positive experience.
During a group project my co-student mentioned that she's good at improvising. So good that people think she knows what she's talking about, even when she doesn't. She uses her quick wit (intelligence) to get herself out of a pinch. Rather than being daunted by the stressor, she jumps on it.
People with high fluid intelligence believe problems are meant to be solved. When we think of ourselves as smart and capable stressors are more likely to serve as stepping stones than road blocks on our path to success.
I, too, am really interested in stress and it's negative impacts on our body. I decided to take "stress management" as my wellness option my freshman year rather than a workout class because I felt like knowing more about it can definitely benefit your health. If you know how to cope with stress, you can fit more things into your schedule. Last week was extremely stressful for me as well. I had multiple papers, homework and tests all due within two days from each other. (Of course that's how college always works). I was so stressed thinking about everything that I had to do, that I wasn't focused on actually doing it. My friends helped me plan and like you, make some homework benefit more than one class, killing two birds with one stone. Some of my friends are really good under pressure and school work and like doing things constantly. They find other problems more stressful that I do not. We help each other out. I think I use my fluid intelligence less and my crystalized more, if that makes sense. I'm not sure if I fully understand the difference between the two but I am very good with facts and such. However, real world, street, problems stress me out more.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you made good use of your fluid intelligence, Rosanna! And Rachel--it's good you were able to kill two birds with one stone with your homework last week. I think this time of year (before the holidays) is a bit stressful for everyone. Just out of curiosity, what are some negative effects that stress has on the body? I'm guessing it's harder for your immune system to fight off infection when under stress.
ReplyDeleteLately, I've been feeling very fatigued. I think it is mostly due to the stresses of school and other commitments I've made. That stress management class seems helpful, Rachel.
I find it interesting how different people deal with stress in different ways. I have one friend who is rarely phased by the stresses of her daily life. I don't think it's necessarily due to her fluid intelligence, though. Rather than turning her stressors into positive experiences, she is able to see the big picture. It's not that her work is unimportant...it's just not everything. She keeps her calm and does her work.
I was talking to my mom today as she was cleaning out piles of paper in her room. She carefully sorted through each pile, saving items which held significant meaning for her (mostly handwritten notes from her mom). She realized that what she was saving wasn't related to work at all.
I think doing work that's meaningful to you can enrich your life. But, it is only a piece of what really matters in the long run. I hope you both are able to find some peace during this busy, stressful time. Almost there!