Stress 101

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.”  Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

What is stress? 

Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure and your response to it (physically, mentally, emotionally).

Some stress is necessary for all living systems; it is the means by which they encounter and respond to the challenges and uncertainties of existence. The perception of danger sets off an automatic response system, known as the fight-or-flight response, that, activated through hormonal signals, prepares an animal to meet a threat or to flee from it.

What causes stress?

A stressful event—whether it’s the sudden appearance of a snake on the path or the fear of losing your job when the boss yells—triggers a cascade of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, that surge through the body.

These hormones increase heartbeat and the circulation of blood to support quick action, mobilize fat and sugar for immediate energy, focus attention to track the danger, prepare muscles for movement, and more.

But this lifesaving response was meant to solve short-term, life-threatening problems, not extended difficulties such as daily traffic jams or marital problems—a few of the many challenges that can hijack the stress response today.

How does stress affect your health?

Short bursts of stress aren’t inherently harmful, although it can take time for the body to calm down. Yet prolonged or repeated arousal of the stress response can have harmful physical and psychological consequences. Those repercussions include ailments from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression.

Stress can lead to changes in many different parts of the body. Stress can lead to a faster heartbeat, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues. It can lead to heavier and faster breathing, which can strain the lungs, and blunt the immune system’s ability to respond to threats.

When should I seek help for stress?

“Regardless of what challenge you are facing right now, know that it has not come to stay. It has come to pass. During these times, do what you can with what you have, and ask for help if needed. Most importantly, never surrender. Put things in perspective. Take care of yourself. Find ways to replenish your energy, strengthen your faith and fortify yourself from the inside out.”

Les Brown, Motivational Speaker

If you’re not sure if stress is the cause or if you’ve taken steps to control your stress but your symptoms continue, see your doctor.  They may want to check for other potential causes or help you narrow down what is really going on. Or maybe consider seeing a professional counselor or therapist, who can help you identify sources of your stress and learn new coping tools.  Remember that utilizing these tools is a sign of great strength and courage on your behalf and your medical providers are here to help you. 

Also, get emergency help immediately, by calling 9-1-1 if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, jaw or back pain, pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, sweating, dizziness, or nausea. These may be warning signs of a heart attack and not simply stress symptoms.

Effective Coping Skills for Stress Management

“Resilience isn’t a single skill.  It’s a variety of skills and coping mechanisms.  To bounce back from bumps in the road as well as failures, you should focus on emphasizing the positive.”

Jean Chatzky, American Journalist

Positive Self-Talk
Emergency Stress Stoppers
Finding Pleasure
Relaxation
Positive Mental Attitude
Take Care of Yourself
Seek Support