The Body’s Response to Stress
What is Stress? Stress is your body’s reaction to the physical and mental demands of daily life.
When You Experience Stress: The adrenal gland releases the hormone adrenaline which can have both positive and negative effects.
Stages of Stress I. Alarm Stage -Body prepares for immediate confrontation -Helps you reach your goals -Body is alert and focused
Alarm Stage- Effects on the body -pupils dilate, hearing sharpens, heart rate increases, digestion slows, breathing increases, muscles tighten (more blood flow)
Stages of Stress(cont.) II. Resistance Stage -body tries to return to normal
Resistance Stage- Effects on the body - pupils constrict, hearing returns to normal, heart rate decreases, muscles relax (less blood flow)
Stages of Stress(cont.) III. Exhaustion Stage Body can no longer sustain its resistance The risk of stress related disease increases
Exhaustion Stage- Effects on the Body headaches, depressed immune system, high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea, and even death
Stress Short term Stress: -Emergency situations -Body changes to help deal with the situation -Body returns to normal after the incident
Stress Long term Stress: -Continual problems -Does not help the body adapt to the situation -Stress is not relieved so body doesn’t return to normal
Managing Stress: Plan
Managing Stress: Talk
Managing Stress: Redirect
Managing Stress: Relax
Managing Stress: Laugh