Author: Amy Cottrell (DipCNM, mBANT, rCNHC, mANP)

Stress is so common in all areas of our lives these days, and one of these areas is work. Although there are a variety of causes, workplace stress is a key cause of sickness, especially long-term illnesses [a].

Stress is an interesting thing – a small amount of stress can be healthy for us [b], and there is a delicate balance between “enough” stress and too much stress. How we manage stress can also vary significantly from one person to the next. 

The truth is that in today’s modern world, many people experience chronic stress, and the negative impacts of this are far-reaching. Chronic stress can suppress our immune system, make us more susceptible to getting ill, it can lead to inflammation in the body, and can negatively impact cognition and memory [c],[d].

Did you know that it likely isn’t down to chance that each individual seems to respond to stress differently, but rather it is linked to our genes? [e].

Are you a “Worrier” or a “Warrior”? 

A gene called “COMT” plays an important role in regulating the inactivation of stress hormones, which allows their effects to subside so that the body and mind can recover. Genetic variations (also called “SNPs”) on the COMT gene can influence whether this process is either fast or slow [f].

“Worriers” are what we use to define people who break down stress hormones slowly. “Worriers” typically have a lower pain threshold and increased sensitivity to stress because the hormones and their effects hang around in the body for longer. “Worriers” tend to “overthink” certain situations, are often more introverted and may be prone to anxiety and insomnia, but they also tend to have a good memory and concentration skills.

On the other hand, people with increased COMT activity are considered “warriors” due to an increased capacity to deal with stress. They generally perform much better under stressful conditions and tend to have a higher pain threshold. However, this group tends to be more prone to anger, depression and impulsivity and often craves stimulants. 

Gaining access to personalised information about your susceptibility to stress will reveal if you might need some extra stress-supporting mechanisms to help you through stressful periods. Even if your genes show that you’re a  “warrior”, it’s still important to keep an eye on your stress levels to ensure they don’t take a toll on your long-term health. 

Tips for managing stress when at work (and at home) include:

• Maintaining a good work-life balance  
• Taking regular breaks
• Exercising and moving regularly  
• Minimising caffeine intake
• Optimising sleep duration and quality 
• Balancing blood sugar levels 
• Practising meditation and mindfulness 
• Asking for help and support if you feel overwhelmed 

Whether you are a “worrier”, a “warrior”, or somewhere in between, focusing on stress resilience can optimise both physical and mental well-being inside and outside work. Improving individuals’ stress resilience can create a healthier, happier and more productive workplace.

Order our DNApal test today to determine how your genes influence how you and your body react to stress.

Feel free to leave us a comment if you have any further questions.

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