Psychological Stress and Energy

The chapter attempts to define stress, and distinguishes between acute and chronic stress. It becomes clear that acute stress can be good, but chronic stress is unhealthy. The specific examples of caregiver stress and workplace stress are examined. The principle of the double hit with two simultaneous stress events is introduced. Finally, it is shown that psychological stress leads to increased energy expenditure. Examples are presented such as lecturing stress, caregiver stress, stress from abuse, stress from trauma, and stress from dementia and heart disease. The energy expenditure can increase by 10–35%.