Talent Canada: Stress first aid: A core skill for protecting mental health

Talent Canada.

We do not need to take a course or any kind of training to know when we are experiencing unwanted stress.

Eustress is good, positive stress that challenges and motivates us. The other type of stress is distress, which makes us feel overwhelmed and fearful. The challenge with stress is not the source; it’s how to deal with it.

Stress accumulates. Not knowing its cause and how to cope with stress are the biggest problems for many. When something triggers our fight or flight response, our mind and body move into survival mode, firing off increased cortisol and adrenaline levels to protect us. Chronic stress results in higher levels of cortisol that increase blood sugar levels and suppress the immune system, raising the risk of colds, contagious illness, cancer, food allergies, digestive problems, and weight gain.

This natural physiological response of fight or flight increases heart rate and blood pressure. Most bodily systems, including the immune system, digestive system, and brain, are impacted directly.

This article was originally featured in Talent Canada. Read the full version here.