Why stress is bad and how to relieve it

Perhaps one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to stress less this year. You wouldn’t be alone. Although Americans are feeling on average less stress than back in 2007, we’re still rating our level at 4.9 out of 10, above the level considered to be healthy of 3.7. Many people recognize that their level is not healthy. More than 40 percent admit they don’t do enough to manage it. The No. 1 stressor for Americans? Finances.

What is stress?

It’s actually a mental and physical response to stimuli around us. In the animal world, stress helps animals get out of life and death situations by putting their brains on alert. Their bodies get a boost of hormones to help improve reaction times if they need to escape or defend themselves. For humans, the stimuli have transitioned from hunting for meals to the power of the mighty dollar. We face continuous stresses in our lives about how to provide the best for our families, how to succeed, and ultimately how to have the best life. That continuous stress can be dangerous though.

Why stress is bad

Stressing itself isn’t bad. It’s a normal part of life. However, the continuous level that humans experience means that our bodies never return to a normal state where we’re not worried about the world around us. According to the Mayo Clinic, “without stress management…your body is always on high alert.” Long-term high levels can be a contributing factor to chronic conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Stress can affect your body, your emotions and your behavior. The most common symptoms of stress that people recognize are those related to mood.

How to manage stress

The first step in reducing stress is to be mindful of when you experience it. Identify what triggers your stressful feelings and then you can develop a plan for reducing it. Some triggers can be avoided, but many (like your job) cannot, so you’ll have to figure out ways to change your reaction to those rather than try to prevent them from happening. Solitary techniques like meditation and yoga can help clear your mind of stressful thoughts, but they may not be enough. Talking with someone about what worries you (whether that’s a friend or a trained counselor) can help to get the stressor out in the open.

Relaxation doesn’t have to be a quiet activity. Since one of the responses to stress is a hormonal boost throughout your body, it may be helpful to channel that energy through exercise like walking, running or cycling. Fresh air helps, too!

So before you resolve to eliminate stress from your life completely, take a moment to consider why you’re stressed and address one thing at a time. Relax, you shouldn’t have to add “Abandoned Resolution” to the reasons you’re stressed!

Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Psychological Association

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