Stress is a very common word these days. It has become a staple in our vocabulary and in our lives. It seems to be something we all have, and so we have come to look at it as a necessary evil. Some of us cope with stress well, while many of us struggle.
The definition of stress is not unified. There are many of them out there, and none that seem to quite agree. From a biological stand point, stress is the wear and tear on our body. What makes a situation stressful, is the lack of control one feels.
My favorite definition is the one that describes stress as our body’s response to change. Any change. A positive kind of a stress is called eustress -- just ask any bride-to-be. More frequently, we tend to hear of a negative stress, called distress. The worst is chronic stress. Chronic stress wreaks havoc on our health, our mind and emotions, our finances, families and relationships, as well as on our career.
The sources of stress may be external (such as the environment we live in), or internal (such as illness, physical limitations, or even perception the of our circumstances). It is also very subjective. What one perceives as highly enjoyable and even calming, may cause panic attacks in another.
Financially speaking, the price our economy pays for the aftermath of stress aftermath has been estimated around $300 billion (yes, you read it right!), according an article published on the American Institute of Stress website from July 2016. That hefty price tag covers absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and medical, legal and insurance costs.
The price for not paying attention to our stress goes beyond just the money -- stress inevitably affects our health. The science research literature is full of articles connecting stress to many diseases: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, skin diseases, digestive issues, inflammatory conditions and more. Stress not only undermines our health, but it also ages us faster. According to American Institute of Stress, stress has truly become an epidemic. It is a major issue we can no longer afford to overlook.
Hiring a stress coach certainly can help! My website is designed to provide you with information about stress, as well as offering effective tools that were designed to help you cope with stress. To see how I can help, review my Services.