Stress: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

Stress is a very real problem in today's society. Concerns about money, the economy, the environment, and other very real problems can cause many stress symptoms. People who experience traumatic events often struggle with post traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately, the effects of stress can be very harmful, leaving emotional and physical scars on those who fail at stress management. Understanding and dealing with stress starts with recognizing the main types of stress. Once you know these, you can better work toward stress relief.

Four Main Types of Stress

Stress falls into four main categories. Proper stress reduction starts with understanding the type of stress you are facing. Eustress, the first type of stress, is actually a good kind of stress. This is the type of stress that the body endures when it is performing physical activity. It is also the type of stress that the mind endures when it is thinking deeply about a subject. Eustress provides the energy needed for physical activity or creativity. This is often described as the adrenaline rush before an action is required. Eustress is healthy and does not require stress relief tactics.

Distress is the type of stress that someone will experience when his or her routines are always changed. This is not a positive type of stress. When an individual is constantly being placed in an uncomfortable, unfamiliar situation, distress develops. Prolonged periods of distress can bring negative physical problems.

When you are pushed beyond what you can actually handle, you will experience hyperstress. For instance, an employee that is repeatedly asked to work long hours on a difficult job will experience hyperstress. This type of stress is usually to blame for the negative effects of stress that most people think of, and many people who are enduring hyperstress will seek stress management help.

Finally, hypostress occurs when someone is not challenged. A person employed in a seemingly mindless task will feel hypostress. This can cause emotional outbursts, even though it seems that the person is in a low-stress situation.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder is not a type of stress, but rather a reaction to a stressful event. Someone who was in an extremely dangerous or stressful situation will often relive that event. They can sometimes become aggressive or violent and are often irritable. A total disconnection with positive emotions can happen as well. Soldiers returning from a bloody battlefront, rape victims, and children who were abused can all experience post traumatic stress disorder.

Estimates indicate that over 7 million Americans deal with post traumatic stress disorder. The most effective way to deal with this condition is through medication and psychotherapy. Traditional stress management techniques are not helpful for post traumatic stress disorder patients, as the level of stress triggered by the event that caused the condition is far higher than the level of stress most people experience in their day-to-day lives.

Stress Management Options

If you are dealing with one of the three negative types of stress, then you can benefit from these stress relief tips. Remember, stress causes negative consequences in the body if it is not dealt with. For this reason, stress relief is not only helpful mentally, but it is also important to your overall health.

One of the most beneficial types of stress management involves relaxation techniques. Individuals who frequently are stressed should learn how to relax their bodies. Stress balls are one option for this. Stress balls are small, hand-sized balls that people can put in a desk drawer. They are made of a soft material that makes it possible for you to squeeze them. The physical act of squeezing the ball can help reduce the effects of stress in the body.

Deep breathing is another effective stress relief technique. Deep breathing allows plenty of oxygen to enter the body and the mind, which relieves stress. Five or six deep breaths during a stressful moment can relieve tension and bring clarity to the mind.

Believe it or not, getting enough exercise can help you reduce stress in your life as well. Exercise helps to keep the body and mind fit so that you can mange the things that come your way better. Aim to get 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, even if it is difficult with your busy schedule. It will make your stressful life easier to handle.

There are also some alternative medicines that can help with stress. Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care can all help reduce the negative stress symptoms that you might be feeling. Stress reduction involves many different techniques that combine to help the individual deal with the stress in his life. If you cannot reduce the stress in your life, you can reduce the health effects that the stress causes with proper stress management. Start learning how to relax, and watch the tension and anxiety melt away from your life!