Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good, motivating you to perform well. But many challenges daily, such as sitting in traffic, meeting deadlines and paying bills, can push you beyond your ability to cope.
Your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection. When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones that increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. This "fight-or-flight" response fuels you to deal with the threat.
Once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal, relaxed state. Unfortunately, the nonstop complications of modern life and its demands and expectations mean that some people's alarm systems rarely shut off.
Stress management gives you a range of tools to reset and to recalibrate your alarm system. It can help your mind and body adapt (resilience). Without it, your body might always be on high alert. Over time, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems.
Don't wait until stress damages your health, relationships or quality of life. Start practicing stress management techniques today.
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Nov. 18, 2023
- How stress affects your health. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health. Accessed Dec. 8, 2021.
- Manage stress. MyHealthfinder. https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/heart-health/manage-stress. Accessed Dec. 6, 2021.
- What is stress management? American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/what-is-stress-management. Accessed Dec. 7, 2021.
- Managing stress. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Individuals-with-Mental-Illness/Taking-Care-of-Your-Body/Managing-Stress. Accessed Dec. 8, 2021.
- Stress. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/stress. Accessed Dec. 6, 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Stress management and resiliency (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Stress and your health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/stress-and-your-health. Accessed Dec. 9, 2021.
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FAQs
Stress management offers a range of ways to help you better deal with stress and difficulty, also called adversity, in your life. Managing stress can help you lead a more balanced, healthier life. Stress is an automatic physical, mental and emotional response to a difficult event. It's a common part of everyone's life.
What are 5 stress management strategies? ›
Try these five tips to manage stress and reduce the overall stress of day-to-day activities:
- Use guided meditation. ...
- Practice deep breathing. ...
- Maintain physical exercise and good nutrition. ...
- Manage social media time. ...
- Connect with others.
What are the 4 A's of stress management? ›
Expand your stress management toolkit by mastering these four strategies for coping with stress: avoid, alter, accept and adapt.
What are the 7 steps in managing stress? ›
Here are some tips:
- Take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can add to stress. ...
- Engage in self-relaxation. ...
- Take breaks when needed. ...
- Seek out social support. ...
- Connect with others socially. ...
- Maintain a normal routine. ...
- Give back to others.
How do you answer stress management questions? ›
Tips to help you learn how to answer “How do you handle stress” questions
- Think of a time when you faced a stressful work situation. ...
- Write down a list of questions – and answers. ...
- Think about the skills you've used to overcome stress. ...
- Put yourself in storytelling mode. ...
- Always end your story with a lesson learned.
What is the short answer of stress? ›
Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree.
What are the 3 C's of stress management? ›
Hardiness is how people interpret the world and make sense of their experiences within it. There are three components to a person's hardiness level: Challenge, Control, and Commitment.
What are the four C's of stress management? ›
In his book “Developing Mental Training,” psychologist Peter Clough, describes four important traits of mental toughness, which he calls the four C's: confidence, challenge, control and commitment.
How to reduce stress quickly? ›
25 Quick Ways to Reduce Stress
- Breathe. Slow, deep breaths can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. ...
- Listen to Music. ...
- Take a Quick Walk. ...
- Find the Sun. ...
- Give Yourself a Hand Massage. ...
- Count Backward. ...
- Stretch. ...
- Rub Your Feet Over a Golf Ball.
What are the 5 pillars of stress? ›
Resilience is made up of five pillars: self-awareness, purpose, mindfulness, positive relationships and self-care. By working to strengthen these five pillars, we are becoming more resilient, and as a result, we are much more equipped to manage the stress in our lives.
One helpful way to practice Self-Awareness Self-Care is to nurture a regular habit of checking in with yourself around The Four R's of Resilience: Rest, Relaxation, Replenishment, and Release. These categories speak to four foundational pillars of personal wellness relating to sleep, stress relief, diet, and exercise.
What is ABC of stress management? ›
Albert Ellis created the ABC Model, which Martin Seligman modified to encourage more positive thinking. The ABCs of stress management are: A: The stressful situation or adversity. B: Your beliefs or how you react to the situation. C: Results of the event's acts and consequences.
What are 10 ways to manage stress? ›
10 Ways to Manage Everyday Stress
- Balance work and play. Make time to work on your tasks and goals (like schoolwork, chores, or practice). ...
- Plan your day. ...
- Stick to your plan. ...
- Ask for help when you need it. ...
- Use the positive energy of stress. ...
- Deal with problems as they come up. ...
- Eat good foods. ...
- Get enough sleep.
What are 4 ways stress can be managed? ›
You can find ways to manage stress by: Noticing when you feel stressed. Taking time to relax. Getting active and eating healthy.
What are the 5 components of stress management? ›
Five Components to Workplace Stress
- Stressors.
- Stress response.
- Individual differences.
- Allostatic load.
- Allostatic balance.
How do you explain stress management? ›
Stress management refers to a variety of strategies and techniques that a person can use to manage or reduce stress levels. Stress management includes self-care, managing one's response to stress, and making life changes when in a stressful situation.
What do you do in a stress management class? ›
Understanding Stress: Learn about the physiological and psychological aspects of stress, including its causes and impact on the body and mind. Stress Reduction Techniques: Explore various strategies and techniques for managing and reducing stress, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
What is stress management quizlet? ›
Stress management programs. Uses a variety of strategies to reduce anxiety, fear and stressful experiences by changing 3 different aspects of our lives: appraisals, behavior and physiological responses.
What are 10 stress management skills? ›
10 Ways to Manage Everyday Stress
- Balance work and play. Make time to work on your tasks and goals (like schoolwork, chores, or practice). ...
- Plan your day. ...
- Stick to your plan. ...
- Ask for help when you need it. ...
- Use the positive energy of stress. ...
- Deal with problems as they come up. ...
- Eat good foods. ...
- Get enough sleep.