Yes, we know that stress may cause heart disease. But most of us are unaware of the many other emotional, cognitive and physical consequences of unmanaged stress. Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress. 75 to 90 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has declared stress a hazard of the workplace.
Stress is expensive.
We all pay a stress tax whether we know it or not. Currently, health care costs account for approximately 12 percent of the gross domestic product, escalating yearly. While stress plays havoc with our health, productivity, pocketbooks, and lives, stress is necessary, even desirable. Exciting or challenging events such as the birth of a child, completion of a major project at work, or moving to a new city generate as much stress as does tragedy or disaster. And without it, life would be dull.