What Is a Moderator of Stress?

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Stress moderators are things that help reduce stress and its harmful effects. According to WebMD, stress can sometimes be useful, but if left unmitigated, it can be detrimental to a person’s health, relationships and peace of mind.

As a means to reduce the negative effects of stress, WebMD suggests that engaging in certain activities can offer some relief. Exercise, writing, taking up new hobbies or meditation can all be great ways of relaxing.

Wikipedia uses the term “coping” to describe the process of actively reducing stress or conflict. Types of positive strategies for coping include proactive, meaning-focused and social. Every person is different and may find that certain strategies work better than others, but all sources point out that when someone is feeling overwhelmed, it’s always helpful to reach out to others for support.