If you flip through a magazine or watch commercials, you're sure to see stories and advertisements related to stress and stress management. It has become quite a catch phrase and hot topic. But what is all the fuss about? Why is stress worth managing?
To help answer those questions, the following lists provide a basic introduction to the costs and benefits of stress and stress management:
The costs of stress include:
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Weakened immune system -
Increased risk of disease -
Increased blood pressure -
Increased risk of heart attack and stroke -
Increased vulnerability to cancer -
Decreased mood stability -
Impaired memory and thinking -
Sleep disturbances -
Decreased work performance -
Increased health care costs -
Relationship Problems -
Sexual dysfunction -
Menstrual difficulties -
Pregnancy difficulties
The benefits of stress management include:
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Strengthened immune system -
Reduced risk of disease -
Decreased risk of heart attack and stroke -
Improved mood -
Improved memory and thinking -
Improved sleep -
Improved work performance -
Decreased health care costs -
Improved relationships -
Improved sexual performance
The lists above just begin to scratch the surface; however, the choice still seems pretty clear. The mental, physical, and emotional costs of stress effect individuals, families, communities, and companies. Stress management is a crucial piece in the puzzle of health and happiness for everyone.
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