The 3 Types Of Stress & How To Manage Them, According To Experts

Acute stress can be defined as stress that is momentary or short-term, and according to integrative psychotherapist Alena Gerst, LCSW, RYT, it's often brought on by high-stress, fleeting moments such as public speaking or being summoned into the boss's office.

"Signs of acute stress can be strong emotions, tense muscles, increased heart rate1, a quickening of your breath, and feeling lightheaded or like you might faint," says Gerst.

When dealing with acute stress, the first step is just to recognize that your body is in a state of stress.

"Notice your physical symptoms—if you feel agitated and your heart rate is up, try to ease yourself into a quieter state," Gerst says. "Doing something active at first, like taking a walk, and then slowing down from there, can help coax your body and mind away from the fight-or-flight response that is acute stress and calm you into a more relaxed mindset."

Integrative medicine doctor Reshma Patel, PA-C, MMS, also suggests that listening to some of your favorite music2 may help ease your acute stress response.

Episodic acute stress is marked by recurring, intensely stressful events. "This can result from impossibly tight deadlines at work or caring for a loved one who is sick—people who feel like they are moving from one crisis to another are dealing with episodic acute stress," says Gerst.

Dealing with episodic acute stress often requires a change of routine, at least for the time being. Gerst recommends taking a look at areas of your life that are stressful and determining where you can make any adjustments.

Are there any commitments that you can drop for now? Is there anyone in your support network you can reach out to for help getting something done?

One thing that you shouldn't be dropping is your self-care routine: Exercising, eating nourishing foods, and prioritizing sleep are essential for anyone who's going through a prolonged period of stress. And while they may feel good in the moment, self-medicating behaviors like drinking alcohol or bingeing on sugar can make it more difficult for the body to recover in the end.

The APA defines chronic stress as constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time. It stems from "long-term persistent stressors, like worries over money, unhappy marriages, abusive relationships, racism, trauma, and war," says Gerst.

To help cope with chronic stress, the APA recommends tactics such as setting limits to all projects and commitments that make you feel overwhelmed; tapping into your support system and welcoming their support and guidance; making one health-related commitment like cutting back on caffeine consumption or increasing aerobic activity; and seeking additional help from a licensed mental health professional if you continue to feel overwhelmed. And again, it's always important to eat well and prioritize sleep.

Gerst also shares that since the causes of chronic stress are not often in our control, it's important to try to direct your energy and attention toward the good stuff.