Stress Basics – Definition by Mayo Clinic Staff
Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the ever-increasing demands of life. Surveys show that many Americans experience challenges with stress at some point during the year.
Your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection. When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones to fuel your capacity for a response. This has been labeled the "fight-or-flight" response.
Once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal relaxed state. Unfortunately, the constant stress of modern life means your alarm system rarely shuts off.
Stress management is important. Stress management gives you a range of tools to reset your alarm system.
Your body is always on high alert without stress management. Over time, high levels of stress can lead to serious health problems. Don't wait until stress has a negative impact on your health, relationships, or quality of life. Start practicing a range of stress management techniques today.
- Mental Health Is Health is a website devoted to those experiencing stressors and emotional challenges. Testimonials, resources, and coping strategies are offered to remind people that they are not alone in their struggles.
- MindYourMind is a website for emerging adults to access information, resources, and tools during tough times. Help yourself and others by sharing what you know.
- Panic Attacks Information: Provides information for those trying to assist someone having a panic attack.
- Stress Relief Apps: Apps to try out for stress relief. This information is for educational purposes only. NOVA does not endorse any of the apps. To download the apps Visit the iTunes or Google Play Store.
- TimelyCare: TimelyCare offers 24/7 access to virtual care, self-care, and well-being tools.
- The Mindfulness App: Free for the 1st month, helps you keep a score of how many minutes achieved each day.
- Calm app: Daily Calm is a 10 min program. Calm also includes nature sounds for unguided meditation with or without a timer.
- InsightTimer.com: Get 2 billion minutes free; the only reason to pay is if you want to be able to download it and use it without an internet connection.
- Smiling Mind app: You can choose which age group, including meditation for young children