Stress is a normal reaction in our lives when we feel we are in danger or unable to cope with a situation. The first humans needed the innate stress response of flight or fight to stay safe in a dangerous world. Years later, we still have that stress reflex, and it can help us when we are at risk.
But stress can become a problem if that stress response is triggered day after day or if we are unable to recover from it. Our bodies and brains are not designed to be in stress mode all the time. When our stress systems get overworked, we are at increased risk for physical health and mental health problems.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may need to do some stress-busting activities:
- Feeling depressed, irritable, angry, anxious or overwhelmed
- Fatigue
- Lack of interest or motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tension in the back and shoulders
- Trouble sleeping
For confidential peer-support, check out Care to Speak.
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