Common Questions About Stress

What is stress?

Stress is our body's natural response to a situation we perceive to be threatening in some way. Our bodies are, in a sense, programmed to deal with stress. The "flight or fight" syndrome demonstrates our inherent ability to react to stress. When faced with a stressful situation, our heart rate increases, our blood gets rerouted to our muscles, our breathing becomes faster and shorter - all to prepare our bodies to react. This response to stress is natural and normal in the short term; but it is unnatural and unhealthy for our bodies to be in stress-reaction mode over a prolonged period of time. Long-term negative stress is often termed "distress." Long-term positive stress is referred to as "eustress." Even happy events such as a new job or getting married can cause a stress reaction.

What can I do to reduce the stress in my life?

Reducing stress requires identifying the causes of your stress and making lifestyle or circumstantial changes related to these stressors. If a situation or circumstance is causing you stress, try to change what you can to alleviate your stressful feelings. Beyond making circumstantial changes when possible, be sure to eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and make time for relaxing activities, such as reading, spending time with friends, meditating or doing nothing at all.

What can happen if I don't learn to control my stress?

Uncontrolled stress can contribute to a variety of physical ailments, including migraine headaches, gastro-intestinal problems, depression, chronic muscle aches, high blood pressure and others conditions. In addition, unabated stress can affect one's ability to function personally and professionally.

Where can I get help with my stress?

There are many ways to get help in reducing stress. Your physician can make diet and exercise recommendations. Health clubs or gyms have trainers who can start you on a safe exercise regime or meditation. There are also many books available that provide information about stress and ways in which to reduce it. Many people who are trying to reduce stress find it helpful to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.