April Is Stress Awareness Month
Stress awareness month is when all Canadians should consider and be aware of the stress we face throughout our day-to-day lives, as well as ways in which we can manage and prevent stress. Learning about stress and stressors and how to deal with them is the first step to overcoming them. So this April, take the time to educate yourself and your family to benefit your health and overall happiness.
The Types Of Stress
Stress comes in many different forms, however, it’s usually sorted into three distinct categories. During stress awareness month, it’s important to become familiar with them. The three types of stress are as follows:
- Acute Stress
This is a quick and usually fleeting form of stress typically brought about by negative thoughts or reactive thinking. It’s common for everyone to experience acute stress during the workweek or when pressed against a deadline.
- Episodic Acute Stress
Episodic acute stress refers to an individual experiencing episodes of acute stress more often than the average person. Individuals who experience episodic acute stress are often likely to take on large or difficult-to-manage tasks and are frequently feeling anxious, overworked, or rushed.
- Chronic Acute Stress
The worst type of stress that one might experience is chronic stress in which the individual is under constant stress and anxiety. This form of stress leaves the individual feeling anxious and stressed more often than not, and needs to be treated by medical professionals. Leaving chronic acute stress untreated can result in the degradation of both your mental and physical health.
The Impact Of Stress On The Human Body
Unfortunately, the effects of stress on the human body go further than an upset stomach or a feeling of dread. Over time, stress can significantly impact your mental and physical health, which is why stress awareness month is so pressing. The physical effects of stress include high blood pressure, heartburn, a decrease in fertility, and irregular menstrual cycles. At the same time, mental effects of stress include an increased risk of depression and anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.
How To Manage And Avoid Stress
Fortunately, a lesson that everyone should be taking from stress awareness month is that stress is manageable and can even be avoidable. There are several simple things the average Canadian can do every day to relieve stress, including:
- Eating nutrient-rich foods and balanced meals
- Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes each day
- Getting enough sleep
- Spending time with loved ones doing fun things can help ease the stress
- Avoid the use of alcohol or drugs
- Visiting the doctor regularly
- Relaxing and unwinding when possible
- Having fun and enjoying hobbies
Support When You Need It
Unfortunately, stress can overpower an individual and cause long-lasting damage and effects such as heart disease. It’s essential to have a support system when you need it most. When you’re covered for a critical illness you can focus on recovery and what’s important instead of the additional pressure of a financial burden when you cannot work. This stress awareness month, take the time to get a free quote from Chubb Life Insurance and Hudson’s Bay Financial services.
Face the future with confidence with critical Illness Insurance you can depend on
Get a free quote online.
Critical Illness Insurance is offered by Hudson’s Bay Financial Services and is underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Chubb Life”). This information is for general information purposes only. Actual coverage is determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular loss and the terms and conditions of the policy as issued.
Chubb Life is part of the Chubb Group of companies. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. Chubb Limited, the parent company of Chubb, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.