What is Stress?
Stress is a natural, physiological response that involves a complex interaction between our mind, body, and environment. Stress is not inherently bad. In fact, we need a certain, optimal level of stress in order to remain alert and perform well.
Ideally, stress prepares us to take action by activating our sympathetic nervous system and improving mental focus. If we are too relaxed (i.e., not stressed enough), then we?re likely to be less motivated and less primed for physical action, thus inhibiting our ability to respond well to a situation. If we are under too much stress, we also suffer as our body stiffens and we lose our mental edge.
When Stress is a Problem?
The problem occurs when we experience too much stress. We overtax the natural resources of our body both physically and mentally. Chronic, high levels of stress have been associated with many serious physical and psychological difficulties, including insomnia, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, depression, and anxiety disorders.
In a recent survey (Canadian Mental Health Association ) 2020, nearly half of all Canadian believe that their level of stress has increased over the past five years. In fact, nearly one-in-three Canadian report experiencing extreme levels of stress, which negatively impact health and well-being, work, and relationships.
What are the Warning Signs of Too Much Stress?
Due to the complex nature of stress and its effect on us, there are many potential warning signs. Every person has a different response to overwhelming stress based on his/her genetic predispositions, life history, and current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Warning signs of too much stress can include the following:
| PHYSICAL
|
BEHAVIORAL |
PSYCHOLOGICAL |
| Muscle tension |
Hurrying |
Irritability |
| Headaches |
Increased accidents |
Decreased emotional control |
| Exhaustion/fatigue |
Decreased productivity |
Often worried |
| Weight changes |
Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs |
Feeling overwhelmed |
| Sleep disturbances |
Unhealthy eating patterns |
Easily frustrated |
| Teeth grinding |
Isolation |
Poor concentration |
| Frequent bouts of illness |
Cigarette smoking |
Forgetfulness |
| Stomach aches |
Procrastination |
Thoughts of running away |
| Hypertension |
Conflicts with others |
Loss of sense of humor |
| Sweating or trembling hands |
Restricted breathing |
Difficulty making decisions |
| Sexual dysfunction |
|
Crying spells |
| Diarrhea or constipation |
|
Intense bouts of anger |
| Back pain |
|
|
| Restlessness |
|
|
| Indigestion |
|
|
