Effects of Stress Top 3 things to live longer: Include one exercise Eat well Manage Stress

Stress in your life… Stress – the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands in everyday life Running late Can’t find your keys Exam Athletic events Arguments with friends

Reacting to Stress Can have positive and negative effects Positive - motivate you to do your best and give you the extra energy you need Negative – Losing sleep after arguing with a friend, being so worried about a test

What Causes Stress? Stressor – anything that causes stress Potential stressors – people, places, objects, events, and situations 5 general categories of stressors Biological stressors – illness, disabilities, injuries Environmental stressors – poverty, pollution, crowding, noise, natural disasters Cognitive, or thinking, stressors – ways you perceive a situation or how it effects you and the world around you Personal Behavior Stressors – negative reactions in the body and mind caused by using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs or by lack of physical activity Life Situation Stressors – death, separation, divorce, relationships

The Body’s Stress Response Nervous system and endocrine system are activated during the body’s response to stress Response is largely involuntary, or automatic Cortisol and Adrenaline – free drugs the body produces in stressful situations Happens in 3 stages

The Alarm Response First stage in the stress response Fight or Flight response – body prepares body to either defend itself or flee from a threat Physical symptoms: Pupil dilation Increase in perspiration Faster heart rate and pulse Rise in blood pressure Increased blood flow

Resistance 2nd stage in stress response, if stressor continues Body has adapted to the rush created by the alarm and reacts to the stressor Decide to “Fight” or take “flight” Choose fight – your ability to resist a physical challenge or attack may be enhanced Choose flight – may be able to run farther and faster than normal in order to escape from danger Body performs at a higher level of endurance High-stress situations have been known to accomplish incredible feats during the resistance stage

Fatigue 3rd stage of the stress response When stressor is prolonged, body is unable to adapt to the situation Cannot manage other stressors Mind and body become exhausted

Stress and Your Health Physical Effects Headache – most common, 70% of people world wide will experience at least one stress headache/year Asthma – Stress will trigger asthma attacks High blood pressure – increased cholesterol – fatty substance that blocks arteries Weakened immune system – Results in extended exposure to stress, more prone to colds and the flu

Effects of Stress Emotional Signs Mental Signs Nervousness Frustration Crying Mental Signs Trouble concentrating Lack if creativity Lose sense of humor

Effects of Stress Behavioral Signs Not eating Overeating Compulsive talking Tapping feet Drumming fingers Change in sleep pattern

Stress and the Eating Cycle Under stress Craving for sugars/proceed foods Temporary energy surge Insulin levels elevated Easier to store fat Sugar levels drop Feel low, body repeats steps

Stress and Your Health Mental/Emotional and Social Effects Difficulty concentrating – lead to failure Mood swings Risks of substance abuse – increase person’s risk of drug use

Taking Control of Chronic Stress Chronic Stress – stress associated with long-term problems that are beyond a person’s control Strategies for controlling the effects of stress Engage in physical activity Look for support among your friends and family Find a hobby or activity that relaxes you Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs