STRESS

Feeling stress is a natural part of life STRESS- is the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands Can appear QUICKLY or come on SLOWLY

Perception- The act of becoming aware through your senses Your perception about a specific event will determine the amount of stress you will feel Example: Fights with friends………….. Your reaction to stressful events depends on your previous experiences

Two Types of Stress Positive Stress- Stress that can motivate you Eustress stress that inspires you to work hard if you have a deadline approaching Negative Stress- Stress that interferes with your ability to perform Dis-stress Causes you to feel distracted, overwhelmed, impatient, frustrated, or angry Can harm your health

Causes of Stress Stressor- Anything that causes stress May be real or imagined Anticipated or unexpected People, objects, places, events and situations Sirens

Body’s Response to Stressors Alarm-Your mind and body go on high alert Fight or flight. Prepares your body to defend itself or to flee from threat Dilated pupils Increase in perspiration Faster heart rate and pulse Rise in BP Faster respiration rate Narrowing of arteries to internal organs and skin Increased blood flow to muscles and brain Increase in muscle tension Release of blood sugar, fats, and cholesterol

Body’s Response to Stress Continued Resistance- When a stressor continues, your body adapts and reacts to the stressor Might perform at a higher level with more endurance Fatigue- When exposure to stress is prolonged, your body loses it’s ability to adapt Tire and lose ability to manage stress effectively

Stress and your Health Psychosomatic Response- A physical reaction that results from stress rather than from an injury or illness Headache Weak immune system High blood pressure Clenching jaw or grinding teeth Digestive disorders

Mental/ emotional and social effects of stress include: Difficulty concentrating Irritability mood swings The use of alcohol or drugs to relieve stress may create more problems, and the person may start to abuse these substances