Lets talk about STRESS!

What is stress?

Stess is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. Common stress reactions include tension, irritabilty, inability to concentrate, and a variety of physical symptoms that can include headache and a fast heartbeat.

Sound familiar?

Its almost impossible to live without some stress. And most of us wouldn't want to, because it gives life some spice and excitement. But if stress gets out of control, it may harm your health, relationships, and your enjoyment of life.

There a few types of stress:

Stress can be define as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psyschological strain. However, not all types of stress are harmful or even negative. There a few different types of stress that we encounter.

Eustress, a type of stress that is fun and exciting, and keeps us vital (e.g. skiing down a mountain slope or racing to meet a deadline.)

Acute Stress, a very short term type of stress that can either be positive (eustress) or more distressing. This is the type of stress that we most often encounter in daily life.

Episodic Acute Stress, where acute stress seems to run rampant and be a way of life, creating a life of relative chaos (e.g. the type of stress that coined the terms 'drama queen' and 'absent-minded professor.)


What are the Signs of Stress?

Stress can cause both mental and physical symptoms. The effects of stress are different for different people.

The mental symptoms of stress include:
Tension
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
Feeling excessively tired
Trouble Sleeping

The physical symptoms of stress include:
Dry mouth
A pounding heart
Difficulty breathing
Stomach upset
Frequent Urination
Sweating palms
Tight muscles that may cause pain or trembling