Introduction to Stress
Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Everyone experiences it, whether it’s from a big exam or a sports event. Even major life events like moving or losing a loved one can cause stress.
But what exactly is stress? When faced with a challenge or demand, your body produces stress as a typical physical and mental reaction. It’s a response to anything that throws you off balance or threatens you.
The hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released by your body when you’re under stress, providing you with added strength, power, and bravery to deal with the stressful situation. This is called the “fight or flight” response, which has been a survival strategy for humans for thousands of years.
Although some stress can be beneficial, too much can have negative effects. It is essential to comprehend stress, its impact on you, and how to manage it. So, let’s dive into the realm of chronic stress and how it impacts us!
Acute vs Chronic Stress
There are two main categories of stress: acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is temporary stress that develops as a result of a particular circumstance. A test or a speech in front of a large audience, for instance, can be extremely stressful. Once the situation is resolved, this kind of stress typically ends.
Contrarily, chronic stress is persistent stress that lasts for a longer period of time. This kind of stress is brought on by ongoing issues like a challenging job, money problems, or relationship problems. Your mental and physical health may suffer from chronic stress, which can also cause you to feel anxious, depressed, and overloaded.
Understanding the distinction between acute and chronic stress is crucial if you want to learn how to control your stress levels. It might be time to talk to someone about how you’re feeling and what you can do to manage your stress levels if you’ve been feeling stressed for a while.
So keep in mind that while stress can be beneficial in moderation, excessive amounts can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. To maintain your happiness, health, and lack of stress, be aware of your stress levels and take action to manage them.
Weathering: The Harmful Impact of Chronic Stress on People of Color
Again, the stress of everyday life is common. It can improve our performance under pressure, but over time, it may have negative effects on our mental and physical health.
Long-term stress that lasts for weeks, months, or even years is referred to as chronic stress and is particularly harmful. Numerous health issues, such as heart disease, obesity, and depression, may result from it.
Chronic stress, however, can have even more harmful effects on health for people of color. Weathering is the term used to describe the process by which long-term stressors, such as discrimination and poverty, can speed up aging and impair health.
In the 1990s, public health researcher Arline Geronimus first used the term “weathering.” She noticed that, even after adjusting for variables like income and education, Black women still had higher rates of preterm birth than White women. Geronimus proposed that the cause was long-term stress brought on by poverty and discrimination, which over time was “weathering” the bodies of Black women.
Research since then has established that weathering is a real phenomenon. According to studies, Black people in particular experience higher levels of stress than White people do. This stress has been linked to a variety of unhealthy outcomes, from high blood pressure to diabetes.
Because it gradually breaks down the body, much like how waves destroy a rock, weathering is extremely dangerous. The hormone cortisol, which aids in our response to the stressor, is produced by the body when we are under stress. However, prolonged high cortisol levels can harm our cells and cause inflammation, which is connected to a variety of health issues. Chronic stress can also result in unhealthy coping strategies like binge eating, smoking, or drinking. These actions can stress us out even more while also endangering our health.
It’s crucial to understand that individual stressors like losing a job or going through a breakup don’t always lead to weathering. It is brought on by long-lasting, systemic stressors rooted in social and economic inequality, such as poverty and discrimination. Furthermore, because these stressors are so ingrained in our culture, it may be challenging to get away from them.
According to a 2019 study that was published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Black Americans age biologically more quickly than White Americans. Telomere length, a marker of cellular aging, was examined in the study, and it was discovered that Black people had shorter telomeres than white people did. This study suggests that the stressors of racism and discrimination may contribute to weathering in people of color.
Another 2015 study found that weathering may help to explain some of the racial differences in maternal and infant mortality rates. This study was published in the American Journal of Public Health. According to the study, weathering may be a factor in the maternal mortality rate disparity that exists between Black and White women in the United States, which is three to four times greater for Black women.This study also indicates, persistent stress from racism and discrimination may raise the risk of pregnancy complications and preterm birth, which would raise mortality rates for Black mothers and children.
The seriousness of weathering for people of color is highlighted by these studies, which also show how it increases the risk of pregnancy complications, mortality, and biological aging. To lessen the chronic stress that people of color experience, it is crucial to address the systemic causes of racism and discrimination.
There is no doubt that weathering is a significant problem for people of color, and resolving it calls for both individual and systemic solutions. We can work toward a more equitable and healthful society for all by taking steps to lessen chronic stress and addressing the causes of racism and discrimination.
Practical Solutions to Cope with Weathering
So what can we do to deal with weathering now that we are aware of what it is and how it can affect our health?
We can take measures to manage the effects of stress on our physical and mental health even though we often cannot control the stressors that lead to weathering. Here are a few examples:
- Prioritize self-care: Self-care is crucial for stress management and enhancing general well-being. This can involve practices like getting proper rest, complying to a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking breaks to unwind and refuel.
- Seek support: Don’t be hesitant to seek out support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Your mental health can be improved and stress can be decreased by talking to someone about your feelings and your experiences.
- Engage in relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and massages can all help you unwind and reduce stress.
- Create boundaries: Now, this is a big one within communities of color, but in both your personal and professional life, setting boundaries can help you cope with stress and avoid burnout. Saying “no” to additional responsibilities when you need a break or if possible taking time off of work when you’re feeling overburdened are two examples of how to do this.
- Get involved in community activism: It can also help to improve health outcomes to address the societal problems that lead to weathering. Participating in community activism, such as pushing for just laws or giving your time to a nearby nonprofit, can contribute to positive change.
Keep in mind that dealing with weathering is a lifelong process, and different people will respond to different things in different ways. It’s critical to try out various coping mechanisms to determine which suits you the best.
You can take steps to manage the effects of weathering on your health and well-being by prioritizing self-care, seeking support, practicing relaxation techniques, setting boundaries, and becoming active in your community.
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If you’re also looking for additional support, Get Clear: A Mindfulness Workbook, is an excellent resource for anyone seeking relief from stress and anxiety. With practical exercises and helpful guidance, this workbook can help individuals achieve greater clarity, focus, and peace of mind. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply looking for a tool to aid in self-discovery and personal growth, Get Clear can provide the support you need. Its accessible format and content make it perfect for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being, especially in regards to stress management.
If you’re ready to take steps towards a calmer and more centered life, Get Clear: A Mindfulness Workbook is the perfect tool for you. Get your copy today!
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References:
Geronimus, A. T., Hicken, M., Keene, D., & Bound, J. (2006). “Weathering” and age patterns of allostatic load scores among blacks and whites in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 96(5), 826-833.
Krieger, N., & Sidney, S. (1996). Racial discrimination and blood pressure: The CARDIA Study of young black and white adults. American Journal of Public Health, 86(10), 1370-1378.
