The Effects of Stress on Your Health

Research clearly shows that the effects of stress can be damaging to your health.  Here is an example.  My husband was a superintendent of a school district and was responsible for closing school in the event of bad weather.  School closings were under his control.  One early morning, after the buses began their routes, an ice storm developed and caused a bus to skid out of control, crashing along the side of the road.  As the students were being taken to the hospital, my husband arrived on the scene to assess the damage.  Had anyone been seriously hurt?  Should he have anticipated this impending storm and canceled school?  Was this accident his fault?

Luckily, no one was seriously hurt—except my husband.  The stress of the event along with the continuous stress of his job as superintendent caused him to experience angina in his heart.  The precursor to having a heart attack, a heart bypass followed.

After this life altering event, he took the time for self-assessment.  The effects of stress on his health were dramatic and devastating.  But what could change with his lifestyle and his job?

Here is what he learned after exploring possible solutions.  He could not change the responsibilities in his job, but he could change his outlook and perspective.  He had held onto the guilt that somehow it was his fault for a storm arriving after the buses were already picking up students.  Somehow, he thought he should be held responsible for the weather.

The lesson learned from this accident is that people need to know what aspects in life they can control and what aspects they cannot control.  Too often, we hold ourselves responsible for outcomes beyond our control.  We hold onto feelings of guilt based on the results that occur.  Holding on to unnecessary guilt causes our bodies to remain in a constant state of stress with no time to recover.  The effects of stress from constant worrying and feelings of guilt will result in health episodes like the one mentioned above.

As you move through a life altering event that changes your health, consider how the effects of stress may have had a role in this situation.  Take time for self-assessment and the exploration of possible solutions to eliminate stress, heal your health and live a more fulfilling life.

Ann Gatty

Ann Gatty, Ph.D. is a certified teacher, coach, author and organizational strategist. Dr. Gatty coaches women in stress management strategies, life skill development, and building life transitions to balance personal and professional goals. She’s worked with kids and adults in museums, classrooms, restaurants and boardrooms. She started her own retail business and consulting firm. Her foundational background in teaching gives Ann insights in creating solutions for individuals and teaching them how to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Ann dedicates her coaching practice to helping women, on-line and face-to-face, during their periods of life transition, maximizing their potential following their passions.

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