Stress and Health What causes stress and how to manage it to avoid health complications for young adults by Rob Roth

Stress Definition Stress is defined as an organism's total response to an environmental stimulus (stress.org) Responses are relative to the individual –i.e. Some people blush while others go pale

Stimuli The individual must be aware of the potential threat using his or her senses

Contributing factors to stress Area of Residency –People living in Detroit are the most stressed in the U.S. (Thedailybeast.com) Profession –Business managers, fire fighters, medical workers... etc

Contributing factors to stress Education Level –The higher the education reached, most likely the least stressed

Contributing factors to stress Sex –Women are 8% more stressed than men on average Illness –Overweight, diabetes, emotional disorders

Stress Response The body goes through a multi-step process when faced with stress –VideoVideo

Can you see this?

Acute Stress (what you have just experienced) Hormones are released Heart rate increases Easier to react than to think logically Heightened blood glucose level

Acute Stress Goes away when perceived threat is no longer an issue Body resumes normal functioning with little side effects

Emotional Aspect Stress is often left unresolved due to modern day stressors

Long Term Stress Very unhealthy physically and emotionally

Common Physiological Signs and Symptoms of Long Term Stress Headaches Grinding teeth Insomnia Mood Swings Stomach Pain Susceptibility to microbial infections Drug Use Impulse buying Binge Eating

Public Awareness June 6, 1983 cover story referred to it as our leading health problem Many perceive stress has worsened over time

Benefits of Stress Stress motivates us Gives us meaning to activities Enhances memory

Benefits of Stress

How to avoid going over the hill Time management skills Alter perception Give yourself 15 minutes of alone time a day Do not self medicate

Suggestions on managing stress Yoga Reading Keep good friends close Adequate sleep Exercise –Especially aerobics

How to alleviate short term stress quicker Deep Breathing Count to 15 before reacting Drink cool water

Review Stress is a natural response –Can be long lasting or short lived Long lasting stress is detrimental to health Be aware of the environment around you –High stress locale and occupation

Review Little bit of stress is essential to healthy living Take time for yourself everyday Exercise whenever possible Smile

References McLeod, S. A. (2010). What is the Stress Response. Retrieved from biology.html Thedailybeast.com