Listen to the author reading this blog post:
by Liz Walter
For most of us, stress is unfortunately a part of modern life. Today’s post is about words and phrases we use to talk about the experience of stress and our attempts to reduce it.
First, let’s look at the word stress itself. Regular readers of my posts will know that I often focus on collocations – words that go together to make natural-sounding sentences. There are several nice verb collocations we can use with the word ‘stress’. To talk about things causing stress, we often use the verbs induce or trigger:
Pressure at work induced a lot of stress.
It’s not unusual for major life changes to trigger stress.
Something that increases stress heightens it, while common verbs to describe reducing stress include relieve, alleviate, and ease:
Financial difficulties heightened his stress.
Spending time with friends can help us relax and relieve stress.
Something that causes stress is stressful – note the single ‘l’ at the end of this word! When we talk about exactly how stressed someone is, we often use the phrase stress levels:
Most people find public speaking rather stressful.
I was late for a flight and my stress levels were sky high.
If someone is unable to live normally because they have so much stress, we might say that they have become overwhelmed, or that their life feels out of control. More informally, we could say that things become too much or, in UK English, that things get on top of them:
He was overwhelmed with the stress of trying to save his business.
Her marriage was failing and her life felt out of control.
Eventually, the stress became too much and he decided to look for another job.
I’m afraid I let my problems get on top of me.
Our body responds to stress in various physical ways. For instance our heart may race, or the palms of our hands may sweat. Some people also experience panic attacks, where they feel extremely anxious:
My heart was racing and my palms were sweating as I prepared to give evidence in court.
The place was very crowded and he felt as though he might have a panic attack.
People often deal with stress by finding ways to relax or unwind. We sometimes use the rather informal verb de-stress:
I like to relax in a hot bath at the end of the day.
A gentle walk helps me unwind.
These breathing exercises can help you de-stress.
Do you have any good tips for coping with stress?
Thanks a million for such a wonderful post.
Personally, I prefer to decompress by simply putting my feet up and having my nose in an unputdownable, compelling book. 🙂
Great article, the audio could be upload in better quality tho. Thanks
I have the stange input that the worldstress reduses when Jane Fonda meets Brigitte Bardot, somewhere on Cuba-Bermuda or the eilands before Marocco.
If your misspelling is meant to get posts noticed, it works though it makes one appear lazy? So be it.
very nice indeed, is it possible to feel your saturation runs your vains as in; i feel my volume behinde my skin. on your right side your heart chamber left is free to do so.
I also are verry stressfree, but on my age[68] i do have strain!
Liz, thank you so much for your article! But please-please, have Cambridge Dictionary get you another microphone! The quality of the record is almost unbearable. It’s all whistling and hissing, and these unwanted sounds are as loud as your speech.
I see what you mean! Not sure what happened here, but I will check with the editor!
put the volume 10% down…..
Thank you for sharing knowledge with us. Fantastic!
Maybe it’s not that difficult, put the feather from the volumes not above 90%…..
On my cuba-bermuda mission, if your making fun of me you are lazy to; maybe.
Stress is something we all face, and this blog wonderfully highlights its impact and ways to manage it. I’ve found exploring new approaches, like seeking professional advice or using trusted resources, can make a huge difference in finding relief.
breathe a sigh for ease, put the fingertips inner ear and check the inside, show transitional reaction& take steps on forest floor. I find those actions in Bio-dyn sinds Mit rapport from Rome 1972.
This blog resonates deeply with the journey of embracing self-acceptance and redefining body image. It emphasizes shifting focus from societal expectations to personal empowerment, offering actionable tips to foster confidence. For more insights on health and well-being, consider exploring trusted resources like expert-led health blogs.