Stress Management

Not all health problems stem from diseases or conditions – many come simply from day-to-day life. Stress is one of the most prevalent and timely among these.

As we take on more burdens in our work and home lives, our stress levels continue to rise. While sometimes a little stress can be a positive thing, it’s important to recognize the impact of negative stress on your body, as well as how to manage it before it gets out of control.

Short-term stress, which is known as acute stress, often occurs when we encounter a situation that causes us to become angry, anxious or overwhelmed. This type of stress can be positive and can cause us to channel our energies and work hard to overcome the conditions that are putting us on edge – such as a difficult question at work that makes you think on your feet, or the very first time you try a new skill.

However, acute stress can also have a negative impact and can cause us to react in manners that can be harmful to our body. Road rage, for example, or any type of temper flare-up, can put a lot of strain on the heart and the rest of the body. If instances of acute stress occur often, the harmful effects can become an issue.

Chronic stress, which is stress that lasts day in and day out without an end in sight, can be even more dangerous than acute stress. Here, the body is never given a break or a chance to recover. This can lead to serious health issues such as insomnia or depression, as well as burnout in the workplace or at home.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Symptoms of stress include fatigue, restless sleep or insomnia, headache, muscle soreness, irritability and a loss of energy and focus.
  2. Over half of Americans worry about the level of stress in their lives, while 62 percent of Americans link their stress levels to work.
  3. In the increasingly competitive education system, more and more children and teens are now beginning to suffer seriously from stress.
  4. Performance stress is also becoming a more common form of stress, as the pressure to “measure up” to our neighbors seems to be increasing.
  5. Nearly half of large companies in the U.S. provide stress-management training and resources for their employees.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is my stress level putting me at risk? Your doctor can best explain the medical conditions that stem from stress and can help you analyze your stress levels to see if you are in danger.
  2. What treatments are available for stress? Depending on the severity of your diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe a combination of therapy and counseling, medication or lifestyle changes to help you manage your stress.
  3. What can I do to reduce my stress levels? Much of managing your stress will have to start at home – simple measures like leaving work at work, exercising regularly and removing stress inducers from your life can go a long way.

Also Known As: Work related stress, anxiety, managing stress

Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.

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