What is Stress & How To Stress Less

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress just in varying degrees.

The most common signs of stress are:

• Irritability ,anger, feeling impatient or wound up
• Over-burdened or overwhelmed
• Anxious, nervous or afraid
• Like your thoughts are racing and you can’t switch them off
• Unable to enjoy yourself
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling uninterested in life
• Feeling like you’ve lost your sense of humor

Types of Stress are acute stress, chronic stress, and episodic acute stress.

-Acute Stress is usually brief (traffic jam, argument with a loved one, criticism from your boss)

-Chronic Stress is prolonged (starting a new job, losing a job, difficulties at work or school)

-Episodic acute stress is short- term but frequent (people who make self-inflicted, unrealistic or

unreasonable demands which impacts someone’s ability to move forward with their goal)

–Positive Stress can be fun and exciting but can also take a toll (riding a roller coaster or meeting an exciting challenge in your life)

Ways to manage stress:

-Deep Breath (I can’t say this one enough, it will help your central nervous system go from high alert to calm)

-Socialize (speaking with people and getting perspectives/ getting out of your head is very helpful for stress

-Exercise- (let’s give your stress a positive outlet to be released from the body)

Sleep (this is a basic need and your mind and body will thank you if you have good sleep hygiene)

4 A’s to stress management:

• Alter the situation if possible
• Accept the things you cannot change
• Adapt to the situation
• Avoid unnecessary stress