How many kinds of stress are you dealing with right now?
(There are SIX major types of it – keep scrolling to learn about these six types of stress!)
Stress is like a double-edged sword for our health.
In manageable doses, it can actually be good for you and boost your resilience.
It can motivate you to push forward to new heights and it can boost your focus and energy.
It can even make your body release hormones to raise your performance, both mentally and physically.
But too much stress has the opposite effect.
It can affect your mood, your sleep, and your overall health. It’s linked with high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and more.
Having an outlet to manage stress is a major component of living a healthy lifestyle.
Recognizing stress is the first step to managing it!
And fortunately, I have some tips on managing stress effectively.
6 Most Common Types of Stress:
1. Acute Stress
The most common form of stress, it’s usually a response to an immediate challenge. This could be something like speaking to a group, dealing with a one-time difficult situation, or taking a test. Feeling this kind of stress can actually be helpful because it keeps you alert and focused.
Tips:
- Take deep breaths and ground yourself in the present.
- Do some light stretching or take a short walk to calm your mind and body.
2. Episodic Acute Stress
This is when you have a lot of acute stress in your life, like a high-stress job or when you’re juggling a lot of responsibilities and challenges at the same time. If this type of stress lasts too long, it can affect your health.
Tips:
- Prioritize and delegate tasks where possible.
- Learning time management techniques— I recommend the Eisenhower Matrix!
- Use a planner or digital calendar to break tasks into manageable steps.
- Set boundaries to prevent over-committing.
3. Chronic Stress
This takes that acute stress and stretches it out over a long period of time with little to no break. Common causes include a difficult job, money problems, relationship problems, etc. Chronic stress can have severe effects on your physical and mental health.
Tips:
- Identify your main stressors and work on any lifestyle changes that may help.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation regularly to help reduce stress.
- Seek support from a counselor or join a support group for ongoing assistance.
4. Traumatic Stress
This occurs when something bad happens, like an accident, natural disaster, or violence. It can cause long-lasting emotional & psychological effects.
Tips:
- Consider seeking support from a therapist or joining a support group.
- Practice grounding exercises, like focusing on your senses, to help manage overwhelming emotions.
- Set aside time for relaxation activities to help process difficult feelings safely.
5. Psychological Stress
This is when you experience negative thoughts, depression/hopelessness, and low self-esteem. It can be caused by trauma or chronic stress.
Tips:
- Practice self-compassion by challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more realistic ones.
- Surround yourself with supportive people.
- Try journaling to reflect on and process emotions, or talk with a mental health professional for ongoing support.
6. Physiological Stress
This is caused by physical problems like medical problems, illness, or injuries. It doesn’t only affect your body, but also your mental and emotional well-being, and over time it can turn into chronic stress.
Tips:
- Nourish your body with healthy foods, stay hydrated, and rest as much as needed.
- Engage in light physical activity, if possible, to improve your mood and aid recovery.
- Find a creative outlet or spend time with friends to lift your spirits and shift your focus.
Bottom Line: Don’t let stress take over your life!
You have the power to manage your stress and lead a happier, healthier life.
Remember, self-care is not selfish, it’s necessary!!!
Wishing you a stress-free and fulfilling day,
PS: If you need more support, join me for a 15-Minute Success Session call to discuss a personalized plan for you. Or if you’re ready to dive deeper, join me in my 30-Day Metabolism Jumpstart Program or work with me privately to help further your progress.
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