The purpose of West Chicago High School’s Wellness Committee is to promote wellness among their staff. On September 11, 2024, they invited me to give multiple presentations designed to identify and reduce stresses that we have, and to share strategies to lessen the negative impact of stress.

Below is a summary of that event.

Is Stress Killing You?

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a constant companion for many of us. We face a range of pressures, from physical demands to emotional challenges, and even chemical exposure from the foods we eat and the environment around us. Dr. Andrew Gorski’s presentation sheds light on how stress is impacting our health, and this document supports the key points discussed.

The Growing Impact of Chronic Disease

In less than one generation, chronic diseases have skyrocketed, now accounting for 89% of deaths. This staggering figure means that 9 out of 10 people will die from a chronic disease, and stress plays a pivotal role in this epidemic. The connection between chronic stress and long-term health problems cannot be ignored.

 Three Main Types of Stress

To understand the far-reaching consequences of stress, it’s important to break it down into three main categories:

1. Physical Stress

Our modern lifestyle often leaves us physically stressed without realizing it. Consider these daily habits:

• Sitting for long periods: Whether it’s at a desk or on the couch, many of us spend most of our day sitting, which contributes to various health problems such as back pain, poor posture, and even heart disease.
• Cell phone use: The time we spend looking down at our phones can cause strain on our neck and spine, sometimes referred to as “tech neck.”
• Job-related tasks: For teachers and professionals, grading papers, attending meetings, or managing tasks all day can lead to significant physical strain.

2. Emotional Stress

Emotional stress is another major contributor to declining health. Some of the most common sources include:

• Student challenges: For educators, managing different student needs can be a huge source of stress.
• Parent and administration demands: Juggling expectations from both parents and administration can lead to feelings of overwhelm and frustration.
• Personal relationships: Beyond the workplace, personal relationships, including family or friends, can contribute to emotional strain.
• Mental health struggles: Conditions like anxiety and depression often go together with chronic stress, leading to even more complex health issues.

3. Chemical Stress

Chemical stress is often the least discussed but can be just as damaging. This type of stress results from exposure to harmful substances in our daily lives:

• Nutrition: Poor diet choices, including processed foods, high sugar intake, and fast food, can lead to inflammation, weight gain, and other health problems.
• Alcohol and nicotine: These substances are often used as coping mechanisms but contribute to chemical imbalances in the body.
• Artificial additives: The food we eat is often filled with artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives, all of which can affect our health in the long term.

How Do We Cope?

In our culture, the way we handle stress often involves unhealthy coping mechanisms. Whether it’s relying on convenience foods, alcohol, or avoidance, these methods don’t address the root of the problem. Instead, they often exacerbate stress levels, pushing us closer to chronic disease.

The Importance of Mechanical and Electrical Health

Beyond managing stress, the presentation highlights two key areas of health that are often affected by stress: mechanical (musculoskeletal) health and electrical (nervous system) health.

Mechanical Health (Musculoskeletal System)

The musculoskeletal system, which includes our muscles, bones, and joints, is deeply impacted by physical stress. Poor posture, lack of movement, and repetitive strain from tasks like sitting all day can lead to chronic pain and stiffness. Proper alignment, regular movement, and posture awareness are critical for maintaining mechanical health.

Electrical Health (Nervous System)

The nervous system, which controls all functions in the body, is another area affected by stress. Stress triggers the “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that, over time, can cause damage to the nervous system. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even serious conditions like heart disease.

Maintaining electrical health involves managing stress effectively, ensuring that the nervous system can function optimally without being overburdened by constant tension.

Which is Better: Sooner or Later?

When it comes to managing stress and its effects on the body, there’s one clear takeaway: It’s better to address stress sooner rather than later. Waiting until stress manifests as a chronic condition can make it much harder to reverse the damage. Proactively managing stress, seeking support, and developing healthy coping mechanisms can go a long way in preventing long-term health consequences.

A Gift to Yourself: Stress Management

The gift we can give ourselves is learning to manage stress in healthy ways. Here are some simple yet effective strategies for reducing stress and improving overall health:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can relieve tension, improve mood, and strengthen both your body and mind.
• Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation helps calm the mind and reduce emotional stress.
• Proper nutrition: Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help reduce chemical stress and provide the body with the fuel it needs to function at its best.
• Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep allows the body to recover and reduces physical and emotional stress.

Conclusion: Take Control of Stress Before It Controls You

Stress may be an unavoidable part of life, but how we deal with it makes all the difference. By identifying the types of stress affecting us—whether physical, emotional, or chemical—and taking proactive steps to manage them, we can improve our health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The sooner we address stress, the better chance we have of living longer, healthier lives.