Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” Benjamin Franklin
Today is National Stress Awareness Day. It was founded by Carole Spiers, the chairperson of ISMA, International Stress Management, to increase public awareness and help people recognize, manage, and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives.
What causes Stress?
“It is our body’s automated response to pressure, commonly known as the “fight or flight” response. Some causes are, “Chronic illness or injury. Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem). Taking care of an elderly or sick family member. Traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, theft, rape, or violence against you or a loved one.”
What are some emotional signs of stress?
Depression or anxiety
Anger, irritability or restlessness
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated or unfocused
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Racing thoughts or constant worry
Problems with memory or concentration
Making bad decisions
According to the American Psychological Association there are 3 types of stress:
Acute Stress: The feeling when we are behind schedule or an important deadline- Our heart races and blood pressure might rise and we may feel pain in our chest.
Episodic Acute Stress: When we take on too much and therefore we become overwhelmed.
Chronic Stress: The stress that wears us down over the years and arises from serious life problems that may be out of our control such as poverty or war.
How to Celebrate National Stress Awareness Day
1. Try Not to Worry: keep away from negativity and do things you like to do
Such as going for a walk, listening to music, getting a massage or taking a long, hot bath.
2. Contemplate stress points: Use this day to find out where most of your stress comes from.
3. Laugh all Day!: Plan a party or gathering and perform comedy skits, share jokes or watch a funny or uplifting movie.
Ways to cope with stress
Listen to music
Vent to a friend
Eat healthy
Exercise
"In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers." – Fred Rogers
Written and Submitted by GSS Agent#3013
Works Cited:
National Today.com
IB Times.com
https://www.ibtimes.com/national-stress-awareness-day-ways-cope-quotes-help-you-relax-3631086
Psychology Today.com
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/open-gently/201812/the-three-types-stress
