Determine Your Stress Type

Pinpointing your stress type can be the first step towards finding a solution that will keep you feeling calm and happy no matter what life may bring. Different types of stress affect us in different ways. Some forms of stress are temporary, whereas others are ongoing. By identifying the stress type that you most often encounter, you can determine how to best attack the situation or behaviors that are producing strain and pressure. Look at these descriptions of the two classic kinds of stress, then decide if your primary stress type is acute or chronic. Then, read on for tips on handling each stress type.

Acute Stress
Acute stress is a sudden flare of uncomfortable tension that occurs when we encounter an unpleasant situation. Aggravation is a kind of acute stress, and anger is a common way for people dealing with this stress type to show the strain. Acute stress causes a flood of adrenaline and cortisol that prepare the body to deal with a predator. This stress type was useful in primitive times when the sudden rush of hormones allowed humans to fight enemies or to run away in a hurry, and we may have stress to thank for our survival as a species. However, in today’s modern world where we are rarely pushed to our physical limitations, this hormonal flood is often overkill.

Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is an ongoing feeling of tension that can seem very overwhelming, or may even feel completely inescapable. Often, this kind of continual, unpleasant stress can be related to an unsuitable situation, such as an extremely strenuous job, financial difficulty, or relationship troubles. The only way to get rid of chronic stress for certain is to change the situation, so if you are experiencing ongoing feelings of being worn down, it may be a good idea to re-evaluate your lifestyle to try and pinpoint the source of your continuing tension.