What exactly is stress?
Stress is how the body reacts to a challenge. While it is usually perceived as bad, it sometimes stress can be good. It sharpens your mind and heightens your reflexes. According to the American Psychological Association, there are three types of stress.
Acute Stress
Acute stress is the most common type of stress. It results from recent stressors or anticipated ones. It can be positive, like the stress of an upcoming party or negative like the stress of a recent car accident. As long as it doesn't occur for a long period of time or too frequently, there's nothing wrong with acute stress. Signs and Symptoms |
Episodic Stress
Episodic stress is similar to acute stress except that it occurs frequently. It is usually accompanied by worry and angst. It usually appears in a pattern-like way, possibly becoming continuous. |
Chronic Acute Stress
Chronic acute stress is essentially never ending stress. The stressors wear away at you and can potentially cause health issues like heart problems, strokes, or ulcers. Should you feel like there's no escaping the stress then you should reach out for help. |
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- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Pacing
- Nail biting
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Increased use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol
- Significant changes in performance at work or school
- Frequent lying and trouble interacting with classmates, friends, or coworkers
Avoiding Stress
Know your limits
As the old saying goes, "Don't bite off more than you can chew." Trying something new, tackling new projects, or being in a new environment can often cause stress. Be able to say no if you need to.
Have a good support system
Friends, family, and professionals can be a source of encouragement and provide insight.
Manage your time
Make sure to budget your time properly for any situation whether it's your school, career, or just every day life.
As the old saying goes, "Don't bite off more than you can chew." Trying something new, tackling new projects, or being in a new environment can often cause stress. Be able to say no if you need to.
Have a good support system
Friends, family, and professionals can be a source of encouragement and provide insight.
Manage your time
Make sure to budget your time properly for any situation whether it's your school, career, or just every day life.