We hear so much about the topic of stress lately. So, what exactly is it? Well, there are a few different forms of stress. Acute, Episodic and Chronic.
- Acute Stress – is the result of change
- Episodic – is the result of lots of acute stress – one change after another after another
- Chronic – has nothing to do with change – this is long-term, constant unrelenting stress on the body, mind or spirit
Acute Stress:
This is something that disturbs our body’s balance. We all get used to things going on as usual in our lives – emotionally, physically, mentally – and when something changes in our existence, we feel off balance. When imbalance occurs from any change in life, a feeling of displeasure and stress occurs.
Acute stress is hard on our body and mind as we tend to be creatures of habit. As our habits become deeply engrained within our physical, emotional and mental well-being, anything different switches these balances to become less comfortable for us. This temporary discomfort causes us to feel stress. Consider going on a vacation as an example. Though the thought of lying in the sun and swimming in the ocean might sound like a dream, along with that time off throws your balances off as your daily habits usually do not attend the vacation with you. You eat differently, sleep in later, stay up later, consume more – we literally shift into a different way of living. Our body clock and physical and mental well-being has to re-adjust. Then when we actually start getting used to the changes, we come home and have to start our old habits all over again to get back on track.
With that said, humans do desire and need a certain level of change. It makes life exciting. So the question is – how much change are we able to stand before it starts feeling negative to us? The answer can differ to many people, but the way to realize this is to see how you feel when these changes are occuring. We all have a time-clock within us to tell us when we have reached our limits or can tolerate more, comfortably. Notice within yourself if you are getting tired, agitated or anxious, your body and mind are trying to tell you to take notice. Too much change can become an unwelcome guest in our balanced world.
Episodic Stress:
People who suffer this type of stress seem to always have stress at their doorstep. Their lives tend to be dealing with one episode or tragedy after another, often uptight, tense, irritable or anxious. They seem to suffer personal disasters after personal disaster. Now, with that said, Episodic Stress can also be continual positive situations too. As an example a quick courtship, wedding, honeymoon, change of residence and family planning on the way, all within a year! As fun or romantic as this all might be, it can lead to a stressful sequence of events. Both negative and positive continual changes are stressful.
With Episodic stress, comes a sense of worry. We tend to invent stress or change, before it actually happens. We usually worry about unlikely results occurring, but nonetheless, they appear within our own minds. Worry and anxiety can cause specific physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms such as heart palpatations, muscle pain, hyper-ventilation and fatigue. It can also lead to fear, anger, depression and a sense of panic.
Chronic Stress:
This is when stress has been a part of your life for long periods of time. An example would be living with a long-term illness, struggling with continual financial distress, living in a dysfunctional family or relationship, working in a job of dislike or living in a war-torn country to name a few, Some people endure long term major life struggles and the stress that it brings can be devastating to a person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially.
Sometimes chronic stress can be the result of prolonged acute or episodic stress. If stress continues, it can last for months, even years if not under control.
There are also 4 main types of stress:
- Eustress – short-term positive stress that gives you momentary strength. Occurs at times of physical activity and creativity.
- Distress – short-term negative stress brought on by a constant change in routine. It creates discomfort and unfamiliarity.
- Hyperstress – when a person crosses the line of their stress-tolerance. It creates a feeling of being overwhelmed of over-worked.
- Hypostress – when a person is stagnant, restless or bored, longing for inspiration.
Stress can be very confusing, but there are things we can do to minimize its affects. Talk to family, friends or co-workers about the situation causing this life stress. You might also want to write down your thoughts and try to make sense of what is causing your stressful experiences.
Depending on which type of stress you are dealing with, sleep can quite possibly be a side effect as a result. And, as sleep is extremely important to your overall health, making sure you get enough of it can be very helpful to your stress reduction strategy. By not getting enough sleep you increase your stress levels which in turn can result in a higher level of anxiety, pain and worry. Sleep can make a big difference on your mood and energy levels.
Try setting up a regular bedtime routine condusive to relaxation. Try a hot bath or shower, then perhaps a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation, a cup of herbal tea or a good book. People sleep the best when a routine is set in place and it gives them something to look forward to at night. And, keep trying a solid routine until it starts to work for you. Sometimes our bodies just need to adapt to positive change and then will start enjoying the relaxation taking place.
A few more things you can try to assist with sleeping better at night:
- do not drink or eat anything containing caffeine after lunch
- eat a healthy low-carb dinner
- try to reduce alcohol intake prior to bedtime – it can be a sleep pattern disrupter
- get some exercise during the day to help you fall asleep faster and more relaxed
Remember, stress is a very personal experience. It can vary greatly person to person and really depends upon our stress-tolerance levels and to what extent we feel our comfort zone is compromized. And though stress isn’t always welcome in our life, some stress can also be good for us. It can help stimulate, invigorate, energize and help us function at high levels when needing to escalate our skills and reach excellence. Utilize these short-term moments when they are presented for a specific reason, but do then return to a healthy balance to find equillibrium and regain your sense of well-being.
A healthy body and state of mind require regular positive habits to maintain a stable life rhythm. It also provides a foundation of health to reach and return to when life gets overwhelming. Seek that constant balance in yourself, in life, in your stress-reducing plan. Be your best and reduce the stress. Your body balances will thank you for it.
