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What is Stress?
Stress is the mental, emotional, and/or physical reaction to everyday experiences. There are three different types of stress: acute, episodic acute, and chronic. Acute stress is the most common type and is the result of recent past and near future demands and pressures such as a deadline at work or a child with the flu. Individuals who suffer acute stress on frequent occasions have episodic acute stress. Episodic acute stress sufferers tend to take on too much work or responsibility and then can’t organize all the demands. Chronic stress wears you down; it’s the day after day, year after year unyielding demands and pressures such as poverty and war. Those who suffer episodic acute stress and chronic stress are most likely to suffer negative health consequences including heart disease.
How Does Stress Affect the Heart?
Although the exact association between heart disease and stress is not well understood, there does seem to be a relationship. Those who do not effectively manage stress are more likely to maintain unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, overeating, or being physically inactive. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 43% of adults suffer negative health effects as a result of stress. Stress is harmful to your physical and mental well - being.
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
| Physical |
Psychological |
Behavioral |
Headaches
Grinding teeth
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Insomnia |
Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Feeling of insecurity
Sadness
Defensiveness
Anger
Hypersensitivity |
Overeating/Loss of appetite
Impatience
Procrastination
Increased use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco
Withdrawal/Isolation
Poor job performance
Burnout
Change in relationships |
Manage Stress
Everyone experiences stress, but everyone does not manage it in an effective matter. Stress management is largely dependent on individual personality, coping mechanisms, lifestyle, job, and family situations. Ineffective coping is what leads to health problems over an extended period of time.
There are many unhealthy behaviors that people use to temporarily relieve stress such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, using drugs, or eating too much junk food. These behaviors “mask” stress, and can actually make it worse. One approach to managing daily stress is to apply the “Three R’s”:
- Recover. Regain your sense of life balance and routine. Try a weekend getaway, go to a movie, exercise, or talk with a trusted friend or family member.
- Refocus. Step back and take a look at the “big picture.” Take the time to think about what has happened and get in touch with your feelings.
- Regenerate. Chronic stress can affect your health, so get extra rest, eat right, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and stay connected with supportive family and friends.
Other Resources
How Vulnerable Are You To Stress?
Getting A Handle On Stress
Positive Coping Techniques for Stress Management
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