What is defined as "Cumulative Stress"?

Cumulative stress refers to the accumulation of stress that arises from ongoing and multiple stressors over time rather than being the result of a single event. This type of stress can develop gradually and can result from a combination of personal, work-related, or external pressures that an individual faces in their daily life. This means that instead of resolving quickly, cumulative stress can linger and become more complex, leading to increased emotional or physical strain.

Understanding cumulative stress is crucial for effective stress management strategies, as it emphasizes the need to recognize signs of stress early and address them before they build up. This contrasts with situations where stress is more easily managed or resolved, is specific to certain individuals, or can be frequently alleviated through exercise, which highlights different aspects of stress rather than the cumulative effect.