STRESS A non-specific response of the body to any stimuli or demand that acts upon it.

What is Stress? Nonspecific response of the BODY to any demand or stimuli Physical Cognitive Mental/Emotional Social How you think about a challenge determines whether you will experience positive or negative stress

Influence on Health Physical –exercise, diet, sleep, BP, HR, BMI, SADD Holistic Health Physical –exercise, diet, sleep, BP, HR, BMI, SADD Mental/Emotional – time/stress mgt, expressing emotions & communicating effectively, + coping skills, engaging in activities with meaning and purpose Social – cultivating relationships, engaging in activities with meaning/purpose, accepting individualism/diversity bestpictures.pps Good Lessons.pps Ten Tips for 2009.htm

Kinds of Stress EUSTRESS THE MIND INTERPRETS THE STRESSOR AND RESPONSE AS POSITIVE AND BENEFICIAL.

Eustress – When stress is good! Adrenaline Endorphins Oxygen Brain development Serotonin Dopamine Cortisol? Anti-inflammatory response & analgesics TED Talks – Mindfulness, Stress and Brain, & How to Make Stress Your Friend Benefits of Oxytocin Power of Positive Research of effects of stress on health Resiliency Social Support

Kinds of Stress DISTRESS The mind interprets the stressor and response as negative. Stress response is not as easily managed and may be more prolonged.

STRESSORS BIOLOGICAL – biochemical imbalances, illnesses, disabilities, or injuries ENVIRONMENTAL – poverty, pollution, crowding, noise, or natural disasters COGNITIVE OR THINKING – how you perceive a situation; your expectations PERSONAL BEHAVIOR – physical lifestyle factors; ex: at risk behaviors LIFE SITUATIONS – death, divorce

Distress – When stress is bad. Adrenaline Cortisol Mental Illness Depletion of Immune System Stress-related illnesses

Results of Unmanaged Stress Psychosomatic Illnesses Hypertension, damaged heart and vessels, heart disease, fatty deposits, D/A problems, ulcers, diabetes, asthma, colitis, headaches, skin disorders. Contributing factor to many other diseases; involved in 6 leading causes of death in the US

Why do people respond differently to stress??? Age Experience Social status Income Cultural background Personality Emotional intelligence

Key terms to review Stress – stressors – good vs bad stress Stress hormones Holistic signs/symptoms of stress Stress related illness/psychosomatic illness General Adaptation Syndrome CNS- Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic response - Brain – hypothalamus, pituitary gland, amygdala, hippocampus, adrenal glands.

GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME (GAS) Dr. Hans Seyle, stress theorist discussed stress response and influence on the body and health through GAS. The body’s stress response raises its level or resistance to the agent that caused it. No difference in physical response between physiological and psychological stress. When stress occurs, the body will either adapt or its defense system will break down.

The Body’s Response to Stress ALARM Initial response of the body to a physiological, sociological or psychological stressor. Sympathetic Nervous System prepares the body physically for this “fight or flight” response.

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF STRESS Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Increased blood sugar Production of RBC Increased breathing rate and O2 exchange Digestion slows Thrombin is released to cause clotting Pupils dialate Temperature changes;sweating Saliva and mucus production slows; vasodialation of vessels

The Body’s Response to Stress RESISTANCE The body responds to stressor to try to return to “normal”. Adaptation occurs as symptoms fade and coping occurs. Parasympathetic Nervous System response of the CNS to return to Homeostasis. This stage is prolonged in distress as it takes time to control physical and emotional effects.

The Body’s Response to Stress EXHAUSTION OR FATIGUE PHYSICAL, PATHOGOLICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL Repeated or non-ending stress response robs the body of its ability to adapt and resist effects of stress. Causes immuno-suppression, lowers resistance, and is the on-set of various types of fatigue and illness.

Are YOU Stress Prone? Three diseases linked to stress are hypertension, peptic ulcers, and diabetes. More symptoms in families with lots of personal and familial issues Stress Prone Personality Type A, Type B or “hardy”

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF STRESS… Central Nervous System Peripheral Nervous System Autonomic or Involuntary System Sympathetic – increases body’s resources in times of stress (ALARM) Parasympathetic – decreases body’s resources in times of stress (RESISTANCE) HYPOTHALAMUS STIMULATES PITUITARY GLAND PITUITARY GLAND RELEASES HORMONES THAT STIMULATE ADRENAL GLANDS TO DEAL WITH STRESSOR SAME PROCESS WORKS TO RETURN TO PRE-EMERGENCY STATE

Emotions and Stress Complex pattern of subjective feelings expressed through physical and emotional changes. Difference between feeling an emotion and expressing an emotion. Recognizing and expressing emotions is a skill. Chemical and hormonal changes effect emotions and response to stress. Affects thinking, behavior, relationships, and tasks.

Stress Management Mindfulness – positive thinking Meditation Diet Goal Setting Arousal Control Mental Rehearsal Doing Something you love: reading, hobbies, artwork Social Support Diet Exercise Sleep/Rest Relaxation Time Management Balancing Lifestyle Family History Medication

Something to think about… “Stress at its best primes you for your peak performance at work or play, and rouses your interest in the world. At its worst, it can interfere with your ability to think, and act straight. It can lead to depression, worsen existing illness, and lead to physical and mental breakdown.” Changing Times Reporter