Announcement
August 27, 2024
April 2023
National Stress Awareness Month
April is National Stress Awareness Month. Excess stress can affect your life negatively, so read on to learn how to keep your stress levels under control.
Causes of stress – Many things can result in stress, such as major life changes, financial problems, work, or personal relationships. Parenting and healthcare are also frequently listed as sources of stress for Americans. Financial problems are the biggest stressor for Americans, with 72% of stressing about money at least monthly.
Effects of stress on the body– There are three types of stress: chronic, acute, and episodic acute. Chronic stress is a constant feeling of stress over a sustained period of time, whereas acute stress is a reaction to a particular stressful event. Episodic acute stress is a cyclical pattern of frequently occurring episodes of acute stress.
Stress can manifest in different ways throughout the human body. High blood pressure, weakened immune system, and depression are just a few of the many potential chronic effects on your physical being. Symptoms of acute stress include faster breathing, increased heart rate, tension, and irritability. Episodic acute stress can result in anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and more. Many symptoms of the three can overlap.
Coping with stress – There are both positive and negative ways of coping with stress. Drugs and alcohol are negative prevalent coping strategies, with approximately 60% of adults drink alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Positive ways of coping with stress include eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Exercise releases endorphins, which are a chemical released by your brain that makes you feel good mentally and physically.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause stress if levels are too high. Eating well can assist in relieving excess stress by regulating blood sugar and cutting cortisol levels. Getting enough sleep also plays an important role in regulating cortisol levels, as well as keeping you mentally alert and emotionally stable.
Need more exercise to help reduce your stress? Check out our membership options.
