What is Stress?

"Stress. This small word is responsible for more illness and unhappiness than we can imagine. Whether we are starting a new job, buying our first home, having a baby, going through a divorcee, dealing with a loved one's death, or simply existing, We are experiencing stress. We live with it every day.

So what exactly is stress?

According to Dr. Hans Seyle, founder of Stress Management Research, "Stress is the wear and tear on your body caused by life's events.

Stress is the body's physical and chemical reactions to circumstances that frighten, excite, confuse, anger, endanger and irritate us." *

* Reprinted from A Healthier, Happier You!

Barbour Publishing, 2003

What is the Cost of Stress?

"The National Mental Health association reports that 75 percent to 95 percent of all visits to physicians are stress related. 

• 1,000,000 Americans have a heart attack each year.

• 13 billion doses of tranquilizers, barbiturates, and amphetamines are prescribed yearly.

• 8,000,000 Americans have stomach ulcers.

• 15,000 stress-related suicides each year (only 1 in 8 is successful).

• 12,000,000 alcoholics in this country alone." *

* Reprinted from A Healthier, Happier You!

Barbour Publishing, 2003

Given these alarming statistics, what is stress costing you?

What Are Some Symptoms of Stress?

High stress levels produce both mental and physical symptoms including low energy or physical exhaustion, sudden changes in appetite, frequent headaches, emotional outbursts and oversleeping.

Symptoms of high stress include:

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing high levels of stress in your life. However, it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician to rule out any direct physical causes.

What Can I Do to Lower My Stress?

Talk with your doctor, counselor or a life coach. They can assist you in identifying sources of stress and developing better stress management strategies. 

Other things you can do to lower your stress include eating right, exercising, deep breathing, visualization and reading. A Healthier, Happier You is a terrific place to start. Packed with 101 tips for managing stress, you will find this book to be a valuable resource in helping you to live a balanced and fulfilling life.

“’I can’t do’ never accomplished anything,
but ‘I will try’ has accomplished miracles.”
-George P. Burnham-