We could learn a few things from our furry friends.  A fascinating study from Purdue University (Forbes, 2008) found that laboratory mice showed less signs of stress when they were able to control aspects of their environment. To understand the effects of stress, let's first review the definitions.

The term "stress", as it is currently used, was coined by Hans Selye in 1936, who defined it as "the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change".  (AIS, n.d.).  We know that there are two types of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress is defined as the optimal amount of stress which helps promote health and growth.  Sometimes, stressful events push us to perform to higher levels and even excel.  Distress, on the other hand, is defined as something that causes strain, anxiety, or suffering.  And not surprisingly, unrelieved eustress can become distress.

When we experience stress, we respond  physically with the "Fight or Flight Response"... causing the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine to be released in the body.  This, in turn leads to an increase in pulse and blood pressure.  Breathing becomes more rapid and pupils dilate creating tunnel vision, helpful for better focus.  Also, our digestion slows allowing blood to flow more efficiently to the muscles.

When we are under constant stress, we are essentially living our lives in panic mode 24 hours a day.  Unrelieved eustress becomes distress, and unrelieved distress leads to:

• Heart attack and Hypertension
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Insomnia
• Accidents
• Immune system weakness
• Headache, Backache and Chronic Pain

Breaking the Cycle of Stress

How does one begin?  First, identify activities that relieve stress for YOU.  Keep in mind, these activities may be different from those of your friends.  

What calms you?  What gives you energy?  A walk or jog in the park - socializing with friends - reading a compelling book - spending time with your pets - sitting somewhere in a quiet wood?    

Meditation, an activity that in recent years has gained recognition by the medical community, has been found to reduce stress.  A study done at the University of Massachusetts Medical School found that meditation reduced the symptoms of anxiety and panic in 20 of the 22 participants (Kabat-Zinn, Kristeller, et al. 1992).  For more information on meditation see the "Health Tips" section below.   

Once you have identified the activities that relieve your stress, make a plan and make it a priority to engage in one of these strategies every day.   

American Institute of Stress, (n.d.) Stress, Definition of Stress, Stressor, What is Stress? Eustress? Retrieved online July 21, 2011 @http://www.stress.org/topic-definition-stress.htm

Forbes, B. (2008)  Stress relief: Lab mice that exercise control may be more normal.  Purdue University. Retrieved online July 28, 2011 @ http://www.purdue.edu/uns/x/2008b/081208GarnerLabmice.html

Kabat-Zinn, J., Massion, A., Kristeller, J., Peterson, L., Fletcher, K., Pbert, I., Lenderking, W., & Santorelli, S. (1992) Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The American Journal of Psychiatry.