DAY 3: STRESS ON THE BODY

TODAY’S BELL RINGER: You have now made 2 separate contacts for ways of dealing with stress in a healthy way. Since signing each contract, how has your ability to maintain your goals gone? Reflect on how successful or unsuccessful you have been. Make a SMART goal for how you can maintain your contracts and deal with stressors in a healthy way.

THE GAZELLE IN THE WILD

GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME When our body is triggered by a stressor and then tries to return to homeostasis, this process is called the General Adaptation Syndrome. Consists of 3 phases: Alarm Phase, Resistance Phase and Exhaustion Phase.

THE ALARM PHASE When this happens your heart rate and breathing rate increases, blood pressure elevates, and the flow of blood to the muscles increases with a rapid release of blood sugars into the bloodstream. Body goes into Fight-or-flight response – the physiological arousal response in which the body prepares to combat a real or perceived threat. In this process the body shift from homeostasis to one in crisis, in which the body then attempts to return to back to homeostasis.

ALARM PHASE The autonomic nervous system is triggered and prepares the body for action. The hypothalamus (a section of the brain) determines the overall reaction to the stressors. When the hypothalamus feels that we need to fight the stressor, it stimulates the adrenal glands and releases epinephrine (adrenaline). Look to chart to evaluate all bodily functions a person can experience during the alarm phase. How do you feel during the alarm phase?

RESISTANCE PHASE In this stage, the body has reacted to the stressor and adjusted in a way that allows the system to return to homeostasis. Begins almost immediately after the alarm phase starts. When under stressful situations, this is why people are able to perform amazing things.

EXHAUSTION PHASE In the exhaustion phase, the physical and emotional energy used to fight a stressor has been depleted. When the body is exposed to chronic unresolved stress, the adrenal glands continue to release cortisol. Over time this can reduce the ability of the immune system to respond to various onslaughts. This can also cause your blood pressure to remain dangerously elevated. Causes a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue when we reach this stage.

TECHNIQUE FOR RELAXATION Muscle relaxation with music

TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS FOR STRESS REDUCTION Assessing your stressors: example - stress surveys we took in class Downshifting: conscious attempt to simplify life in an effort to reduce stresses and strains of modern living. Taking physical action: using exercise, relaxation and eating right Massage Therapy: manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person's health and well-being. Biofeedback: Involves self-monitoring by machine of physical responses to stress and attempts to control these responses Using support groups: Friends, family members, and fell peers at school can provided emotional and physical support. You can also use school counselors or groups set up in the community for support. What other forms are there?

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