Much like many chronic illnesses, stress is not always visible to outsiders. Stress is a normal reaction to life’s demands, whether it be caused by your job, taking care of your family, or facing the daily strains of having a chronic condition or disease. While certain levels of short-term stress are healthy—even beneficial—stress that will not go away can be debilitating and overwhelming. 

Why does stress occur?

Stress is a common psychological and physical reaction. It is your brain’s alarm system that signals your body to release hormones (“chemical messengers”) that increase your heart rate and/or raise your blood pressure. Once the threat or stress is gone, your body can return to normal.

How can stress be beneficial? 

When stress is managed well, it can provide numerous benefits that include:

• Improve immunity or how your body responds to injury or infection
• Boosts brainpower in the short term
• Make yourself more resilient in situations
• Motivates you to success

What is chronic stress?

For some people, the brain is constantly releasing hormones from daily stresses. This can cause a deterioration in your health and potentially cause or worsen long-term health conditions. Over time, chronic (long-term) stress can also ruin a person’s quality of life and relationships with their family and friends. 

Some symptoms of chronic stress include: 

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system

What are some tips to deal with stress? 

Different practices work for different people when combating stress. Here are a few tips to try out to help improve your stress:

• Practice meditation.
• Exercise daily.
• Set limits on tasks that overwhelm you.
• Speak to a friend or relative for support.
• Limit your caffeine intake.
• Quit smoking.
• Strive for at least seven to eight (7-8) hours of sleep every night.
• Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself.
• Seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.

A popular mobile app for meditation and sleep, called Calm, has come out with a free, downloadable calendar for Stress Awareness Month, too, with different tips each day to help lower stress levels. Their advice includes helpful suggestions, such as:

• Listen more than you talk today.
• Take a day off from social media.
• Play your favorite song and take a dance break.

Additional information on Stress Awareness Month can be found on the Mayo Clinic, Health, and American Psychological Association websites.

*Heckman, W. (2020, Apr. 9). Stress Awareness Month – April 2020. The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/stress-awareness-month-april-2020