When good stress goes bad

The first thing you need to know about stress is that it’s a normal part of life. And, really, a little bit of stress is good for us. It can motivate us to reach our goals and get things done. It’s when things begin to pile up that stress can become a problem.

“[Your] brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection,” says an article on the Mayo Clinic website. “When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones that increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. This ‘fight-or-flight’ response fuels you to deal with the threat.”

Once that perceived threat is gone, the body is supposed to return to a normal state.

Unfortunately, for some people, high stress is the new normal, but it isn’t good for you.

According to Amerihealth’s stress awareness program, both short- and long-term stress can have negative effects on your body: “Research is starting to show the serious effects of stress on our bodies. Stress triggers changes in our bodies and makes us more likely to get sick. It can worsen problems we already have.”

Stress can also impact existing health issues. For example, you may find you have trouble sleeping and concentrating; exhibit a lack of energy; feel depressed, anxious or sad; or experience weight gain or loss. See a full list of potential symptoms of stress here.

Managing stress is important and the Mayo Clinic, WebMD and other groups offer suggestions to help you get on the right track so stress doesn’t become a problem. Some of the most important include eating healthy, well-balanced meals; getting regular exercise; employing relaxation techniques; and getting enough sleep. If you can’t manage your stress levels on your own, you should consider seeking help from your doctor.

We asked our employees what they do to help them manage their stress. Here are a few responses.

Dan: “I read a book or take a nap. Getting any sleep, even a little nap, is good.”

Laura: “I walk 4 miles whenever I can, 6 if have the time! I started doing it about five years ago. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I am done.”

Scott: “I like to work out at the gym early in the morning before work—weight lifting and cardio. It helps me stay focused, relieves stress and provides me a sense of accomplishment. I have met a lot a great people and friends at the gym.

Michelle: “I put my Journey CD in my car and listen to it on the way home to help me decompress from a long or stressful day. I sing my heart out—belting my 80s jam songs! By the time I arrive home, I’ve let go of any issues!”

Matt: “I try to make time to be alone and recharge.”

Julie: “Stress relief for me includes working out—weight lifting, hiking, spin classes. I also enjoy riding horses.”

Connie: “I walk, swim and lift weights. But working in my garden is the best—it calms me down and keeps me grounded (pun totally intended). In the winter, I work out more while watching campy BBC crime dramas.”

Todd: “My life experiences taught me patience and to not let things bother me. I also like to bicycle, ride snowmobiles, pan for gold or hike in the Black Hills.”

For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic's website. 

The Environment, Safety and Health Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.