Psychology Facts

▲ Stress ▲

》Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand.

》Stress can affect the body both physically and psychologically. It triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Additionally, stress can influence mood, leading to anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.

》Women are more likely to exhibit physical signs of stress compared to their male counterparts.

》Chronic stress and anxiety are prevalent in today's fast-paced society. According to the American Psychological Association, approximately 77% of adults in the United States report experiencing physical symptoms caused by stress, while 73% report experiencing psychological symptoms.

》Stress makes it harder to remember things. When you're experiencing a stressful event or chronic stress, your brain may become overstimulated, leading to forgetfulness. Additionally, stress triggers the release of hormones that can impair the brain's ability to form new memories.

》Religious practices, like prayer and attending services, is associated with lower levels of psychological distress.

》In 2009, the top most stressful jobs were:
a surgeon,
commercial airline pilot,
photojournalist,
advertising account executive, and real estate agent.

The least stressful jobs were:
actuary,
dietitian,
astronomer,
systems analyst,
and software engineer.

》Stress has been called "the silent killer" and can lead to, high blood pressure, chest pain, and an irregular heartbeat.

》Stress affects people differently, and what one person finds stressful, another may not. Factors influencing stress include genetics, personality, coping mechanisms, and life experiences. It is essential to identify and manage stress in a way that works best for the individual.

》Stress can lead to changes in many different parts of the body. It can cause a faster heartbeat, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues. Stress can also result in heavier and faster breathing, which can strain the lungs, and it can blunt the immune system's ability to respond to threats.

》Stress may increase the frequency of illness. In one study, older adults received the flu vaccine, and researchers discovered that those experiencing chronic stress had a weaker immune response to the vaccine. These findings indicate a potential link between stress and reduced immunity.

》Some stress can be beneficial. While many people view stress as a negative influence on their lives, not all stress is harmful. Positive stress, known as eustress, can actually be advantageous. Eustress triggers a positive response, such as the excitement felt when going on a first date or riding a roller coaster. This type of stress is usually short-term and can be exciting or motivating.

》The five most common habits that can contribute to stress:

Negative self-talk: Constantly criticizing oneself or engaging in negative self-talk can create a sense of self-doubt and anxiety, which can lead to chronic stress.

Procrastination: Waiting until the last minute to complete tasks can lead to a sense of pressure and urgency, which can be stressful.

Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in all aspects of life can create an unrealistic and unattainable standard, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can increase stress levels, as physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.

Poor time management: Not having a plan or structure for daily tasks can lead to a feeling of overwhelm and stress.

》Exercise, meditation, social support, and time management strategies can help to reduce stress. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can also be beneficial for people experiencing chronic stress or stress-related disorders.