Did you know…?

…that not just yawning, but also stress can be contagious?

People who are relaxed can start to feel stressed when they see another person in a tense situation, found researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Cognitive and Neuroscience in Leipzig and the Dresden University of Technology.

…that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers stress to be one of the greatest health risks of this century?

According to the WHO, emotional pressure is partially responsible for 70 percent of all illnesses today. While the three greatest causes of human suffering in 1990 were pneumonia, diarrhea and childhood mortality, the WHO projects that by 2020 it will be heart attacks, depression, anxiety disorders and traffic accidents - and at least the first three are often caused by stress.

…that the term “stress” originally comes from the field of materials science?

It refers to a burden caused by pulling or pushing on a material, which results in tension in the material or material fatigue.

…that the term “stress” was first used to refer to people in the 1940s?

Doctor and biochemist Hans Selye (1907–1982) developed the basic principles for studying stress and the general adaptation syndrome. Thus he is considered the “father of stress research.” His research showed that stress can also have implications for the human body. His most important finding was that stress affects almost every level of human existence, from the blood to the brain and muscles, from the metabolism to hormones.

…that according to a survey, two-thirds of women combat stress symptoms by going shopping?

Shopping is not just fun, explain experts - it also creates feelings of happiness. Buying things compensates for an emotional deficit, but only in the short term.

…that several airports in the United States use dogs to reduce stress?

Passengers who are afraid of flying can pet the animals. This allegedly has a calming effect. In addition, people who are stressed experience a drop in blood pressure when they pet the dogs.

…that there was a diagnosis similar to the burnout syndrome 100 years ago?

It was known as neurasthenia (weak nerves).  A rise in traffic and technology were considered to cause it. For instance, the pocket watch was said to create a sense of unease. The best-known German neurasthenic: Emperor Wilhelm II.

…that simultaneous interpreting is considered one of the most stressful jobs in the world?

According to the WHO, simultaneous interpreting is one of the most stressful jobs in the world, followed by jet pilot and air traffic controller. In Germany, teachers are among the most stressed-out employees, putting them at much higher risk for health problems than other professional groups.

…an easy commute can prevent stress?

People who already get stressed out on the way to work are unlikely to have a relaxed day. A better idea: try biking to work sometimes. People taking public transit to work should walk an extra stop rather than transferring three times.

…that too little or no work can also be stressful?

People who constantly feel like they are not being challenged, whether it’s because they don’t have enough to do or they are actually unemployed, can suffer from symptoms of stress. Those who are not intellectually challenged and are bored feel useless and empty most of the time. That can lead to “boreout,” in other words when someone gets sick because of boredomor insufficient challenges at work.

…that stress can make you fat?

Stress causes belly fat to accumulate. Unlike fat in other parts of the body, it produces substances that only harm the body. They stimulate the appetite and promote the development of typical lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and even Alzheimer’s.

…that stress and language are closely connected?

Stress symptoms are also hidden in our linguistic usage. Sayings like “I’ve had it up to here,” “In the pit of my stomach,” “A gut feeling,” “Can’t get a move on” are just a few examples of how common phrases describe our physical reactions to stress.

…that separating work and free time can reduce your stress level?

Once the work day is over, you should be able to switch off. People who take their work problems home with them never get any rest, and they are even more stressed out the next day. In the long term, this can lead to burnout. Regular relaxation can help keep you from getting overwhelmed.

…that just a few minutes of quiet can reduce your stress?

Those who let themselves take quick breaks at work tend to work better and be less stressed. Your own performance, endurance and concentration also depends on how you refresh yourself. And being refreshed doesn’t just start after work - it starts during the work day.