About stress
How to define stress
Short-term stress can be stimulating, while long-term and uncontrolled stress can negatively affect health and wellbeing. It's important to learn how to manage stress effectively through relaxation techniques, physical activity, support from others, and taking care of your overall health.
Biological stress
Psychological stress
Psychological stress can have both positive (short-term stress) and negative (long-term, uncontrolled stress) effects on an individual.
Causes of stress = Stressors
The most common stressors of biological stress include:
1. The immune system tries to fight the infection, which increases the level of cortisol in the body.
2. Injuries such as fractures, burns or cuts are very painful and the body reacts to them with a stress response. Cortisol helps the body absorb proteins better and accelerates wound healing.
3. Allergic reactions to food, pollen, dust, and other substances can cause a stress reaction in the body. The body tries to fight the allergen and causes inflammation, which can lead to increased cortisol level.
4. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or arthritis can be very stressful for the body. These conditions can lead to disruption of hormonal balance in the body and increased cortisol level.
5. Physical stress, which is caused by strenuous physical work, but also by repetitive workload or work activity in a static position, e.g. sitting. This type of stress can be caused by both work and personal life. In terms of workload, physical stress can be caused by strenuous physical work, such as heavy lifting, carrying heavy loads, or working on a production line. Physical stress also includes monotonous work, which can be one of the factors that lead to high stress in employees. Monotonous work means that workers perform the same tasks repeatedly, without significant changes. This type of work can be very boring and make workers feel demotivated and tired. Coping with physical stress depends on many factors, such as health, age, gender, and more.
The most common stressors of mental stress include:
1. Work-related stress can include a high workload, job insecurity, poor relationships with colleagues or superiors, or an inability to find a work-life balance.
2. Financial stress can include problems paying bills, unemployment, debt, and other financial problems.
3. Personal stress can include relationship problems, divorce, the death of loved ones, or other life changes that can be emotionally challenging.
4. Health stress can be caused by health problems, such as chronic illness, injury, or disease. By the very perception and existence of the disease.
5. Social stress can include feeling lonely, isolated, or feeling like the individual doesn't feel part of society.
Psychological stress can have negative effects on the body and mental health, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and other problems. Therefore, it is important for the individual to find a way to cope with this stress. This can include exercise, relaxation, meditation, therapy, or other forms of support. Employers can also help reduce psychological stress by ensuring that workers have adequate support and resources, such as mental health and stress prevention programs.
How stress can manifest itself
Physical manifestation
• sleepiness
• headaches
• increased heart rate
• muscle tension
• digestive problems
• decreased libido
Mental manifestation
• irritability
• feeling tense or sad
• concentration problems
• decreased self-confidence
• mood swings
Social manifestation
• communication difficulties
• conflicts in relationships
• reduced productivity
Did you know how long-term stress affects health?
The increased level of release of the stress hormone cortisol makes it difficult to fall asleep and achieve quality sleep.
Stress is the cause of more than 60% of all types of human diseases.
Stress reduces the overall level of the body's immunity.
Stress can lead to obesity.
Stress can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are the most common cause of death in the Czech Republic. (Czech Statistical Office, 2018)
How to cope with stress
2. Eat healthy.
3. Slow down and don't rush to solve things that aren't truly necessary or that you can't control. Focus only on what you can change.
4. Take life with a sense of humor and laugh a lot.
5. Don't underestimate the importance of sleep and rest regularly.
6. Try to be offline for a while.
7. Focus on what you are doing right now.
8. Make every day unique, there is always something to look forward to.
9. Do something for others and with others.
10. Meet people who energize you. Find support from friends, family, or professionals who can help you manage stress.