Stress is part of our everyday life. We often see it as the enemy. But without stress, our ancestors would never have survived the dangers that threatened them.
When we experience physically or mentally stressful events or experiences, stress is a normal physical reaction. Whether the threat is real or imagined, the body can react in 4 ways: fight, flight, freeze or fawn. These four stress responses characterize us. Most of us have a dominant stress response type. In a real emergency, stress is vital.
Our civilizational baggage (deadlines, worries, checks, errands, expectations) puts most of us under constant stress. Stress has become a way of life. We pay a huge price for it though, physically and mentally. Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems.
Stress resilience and coping skills can be developed. A psychologist can help us understand the sources of stress in our lives and find ways to reduce its impact and develop a healthier lifestyle.