A Hyperstress Definition - What it is and How to Deal with It

A good hyperstress definition? Most of us are all too familiar with stress in our lives. 

You might not realize, however, that there are actually several types of stress, including eustress, distress, hyperstress, hypostress and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

These different types of stress arise for different reasons and can cause different physical and psychological reactions, so they need to be dealt with in different ways. 

For example, you probably feel some disturbing hyperstress from time to time, although you might not call it that. 

Learning a good hyperstress definition can help you understand and deal with it more effectively. 

In the long run, gaining a better understanding of hyperstress could help you obtain some much-needed stress relief.

Hyperstress Definition

The psychological strain people often feel when they perceive themselves as being overwhelmed by work forms the basis of a good working hyperstress definition. 

The feeling occurs when someone feels pushed beyond the limits of what he or she can handle, whether it's caused by an excessively high workload, unreasonable deadlines or working too long and too hard. 

A person who is hyperstressed often overreacts to what would otherwise be insignificant triggering events.  For example, an individual with hyperstress might snap at his or her spouse for very little reason at all. 

In addition to a short temper, hyperstress can also induce or increase anxiety and/or depression.  People with high pressure jobs such as stock brokers, neurosurgeons and high-level attorneys are likely candidates for hyperstress, but anyone can succumb to the feeling of being overworked.

How to Know Whether You Have Hyperstress

Some stress in life is actually good.  Temporary, positive stress (called eustress) can be motivating, sharpen the reflexes and prevent the onset of boredom. 

Hyperstress, however, is a completely different, negative form of stress that's common in today's hectic world.  If you have periods where your work seems overwhelming, or you feel like you're literally unable to cope with all your work, you've probably fallen prey to hyperstress. 

If it's allowed to continue without being addressed, hyperstress could affect your blood pressure, digestive system, heart, immune system and/or your sleep, among other adverse effects.  It can also lead to anxiety, depression, nervous breakdown or physical illness.

Stress Relief

Hyperstress can usually be managed fairly effectively as long as it stays intermittent and temporary. 

But, as mentioned above, hyperstress that becomes too intense or continues too long can cause significant physical and psychological problems.  It's important, therefore, to identify, address and alleviate hyperstress quickly.

Fortunately, there are several techniques and strategies you can employ if you start feeling the onset of hyperstress.

• Learn and practice proper breathing techniques. The way you breathe is often affected by your emotional state. People in a relaxed mental state typically breathe deeply and slowly. Stress, though, often causes us to breathe quickly and shallowly. Shallow, rapid breathing can cause you to become dizzy or faint, or lead to hyperventilation or a panic attack. Breathing exercises can teach you how to breathe properly, and you can use them to calm down if you're experiencing a bout of hyperstress. Simply inhale deeply while mentally counting to four. Pause for a count of two, and then exhale deeply while counting to four. Pause for a two-count and then repeat the process. Practice this technique a few times a day and whenever you start feeling overstressed.

• Yoga, meditation or aromatherapy. These techniques can also help you relax when you begin to feel hyperstress. Take your pick, or try all three methods.

• Take notes. If some or all of your hyperstress originates from concerns that you'll forget something that's important to do, or from trying to solve an almost-impossible problem, write down your thoughts as they come to you. You can keep a PDA or notepad by your nightstand in case you think of something important during the night.

• Talk things over with your partner or a friend. Discussing your problems can provide some highly welcome stress relief, and you might get some valuable input on how to deal with your stress. Speaking with a guidance counselor or your primary care physician might also help.

• Get more sleep and exercise. Both can release tension and help rejuvenate your body if you're experiencing hyperstress.

Now that you've learned a good hyperstress definition and its signs and symptoms, you'll be able to use these strategies and techniques to get some stress relief.

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