Chapter 4 Stress and Your Health
Lesson Objectives Describe the 5 different causes of stress Describe the body’s physical response to stress Differentiate between positive and negative stress Describe how stress can make you sick
What is Stress? Stress is the body’s and mind’s response to a demand Stressor- any situation that puts a demand on the body or mind There are several different things that can cause stress in someone’s life Stress can be broken down into 5 categories
The 5 Stressors Environmental stressors Biological stressors (pollution, poverty, noise, and natural disasters) Biological stressors (illness, disability, and injury) Thinking stressors (any mental challenge) Behavioral stressors (lack of sleep, no exercise, and drug use) Life change stressors ( Death in family, marriage, any significant life change)
Physical Response to Stress Anytime we are put in a stressful situation our body responds to help use react to the stressor (ex: stopping a soccer goal, moving out of the way of a fast moving car) The physical changes that happen in the body during a time of stress are know as the Fight or Flight response
The Fight or Flight Response During the fight or flight response the body releases the hormone Epinephrine (adrenaline) The release of epinephrine triggers different responses in the body including Increases breathing for more oxygen Faster heart rate to increase blood flow to help transport oxygen to the muscles Muscle tension Dilated pupils (increased vision) Digestion slows down Blood sugar level increases to provide more energy
Emotional and Behavioral Response to Stress Everyone has the same physical response to stress, but not everyone has the same emotional and behavioral response to stress A person’s response to a stressful event depends on whether they see the stressor as positive or negative.
How Can Stress Be Positive? Stress that helps a person achieve a goal by working harder is an example of positive stress. Positive stress is known as eustress (studying for a final exam)
Negative Stress Stress that can make a person sick or keep them from reaching a goal is negative stress Negative stress is known as distress (ex: stressing too much over a final exam)
How Can We Make Stress Work For Us Think Optimistic Prepare yourself Only concentrate on what you can control Don’t worry about what is out of your control Do your best!!!
How Stress Can Make You Sick If your body experiences prolonged stress it can weaken the immune system and result in illness Stress over a long period of time can also lead to heart disease and other illnesses like: Cold and flu Headache Stroke Heart disease Chronic fatigue Anxiety disorders Insomnia Depression
Quick Recap What are the 5 causes of stress? What are three physical reactions to stress? What is Eustress? What is Distress? What are three illnesses that are the result of prolonged stress?
Dealing With Stress Key Terms Resiliency-the ability to recover from illness, hardship, and other stressors Asset- a skill or resource that can help a person reach a goal Prioritize- to arrange items in order of importance
Take Care of Yourself Exercise regularly Get enough rest Eat Right
Learn to Relax Breathing Exercises Tension-Releasing Exercises