Stress is a normal biological response to a perceived threat or challenge.  Much like self-care, what we find stressful is specific to the individual.  When you encounter stress, your brain floods your body with chemicals and hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol (healthline).  Physically your body may react, i.e. your heart starts to race or you begin to sweat.  Your mind sharpens and focuses on how to solve the situation at hand.  Stress should be short-lived and shortly afterwards your body will return to the natural state without any lasting negative consequences.  

 

Stress can be acute, severe acute, episodic acute, or chronic. 

 

Acute stressors are often a sudden rush of stress, i.e. a near-miss accident or the thrill of a rollercoaster.  Once the stressor has passed, your body will return to its natural state.  This type of stress normally does not harm the individual.  And often help your brain and your body develop ways to best respond to future stressful situations. 

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Severe acute stress is when you are faced with a light-threatening situation.  This can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD (healthline) or other mental health problems. 

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Episodic acute stress is the frequent reoccurrence of acute stressors. First responders for example may frequently find themselves in high-stress situations while on the job.  This can have negative affects on the individual physically and mentally.

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Chronic stress is prolonged and constant feeling of stress.  It can be caused by everyday pressures, i.e. a high pressure work environment or by traumatic situations, i.e. work place accidents on the jobsite.  Because the stressors do not subside, the body is not allowed to relax and return to its natural state.  Chronic stress has been known to contribute to physical aliments such as aches/pains, difficulty sleeping, and gastrointestinal problems.  Chronic stress can have an emotional and psychological toll making individuals irritable, anxious and depressed (verywellminded).  

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Stress unmanaged can take a toll on an individual's ability to function in their day to day lives.  It is important to establish a self-care routine to help combat stress and build resilience.