Effects of Stress on the Body

Raise your hand as if you’re asking a question. Do not support your arm with your other arm. Keep your arm raised and open and close your hand as fast as you can for 2 minutes without stopping.

Now make a fist and clench it as tight as you can for 15 seconds. Then, release your hand.

Imagine your body feelings like this all the time. This is an example of a negative effect of stress. Your body is reacting to a change. Some people react like this to stressors all the time and don’t even realize it!

Take out your “Changes in My Life” Worksheet from last class. How many of you were surprised by the number of changes you experienced in the past year?

Take out your “Reactions to Stress” worksheet. Follow the directions and complete the sheet.

What types of physical and emotional reactions do you recall experiencing during stressful times? Headache Stomach Ache Crying Sweating Overeating Loss of energy Problems in school Yelling and losing control Not being able to sleep Fighting

General Adaption Syndrome A scientist, Dr. Hans Seyle, studied the effects of stress on the body. He discovered that the body reacts to stress in a series of stages.

Alarm The first stage is alarm, the body’s initial reaction to a stressor. The fact that some of you just jumped in your chairs in response to the loud noise, is the body’s natural adjustment to sudden or immediate changes—the fight or flight syndrome.

Alarm Cont. When physiological processes attempt to adapt to a stressor, heart rate and breathing increase and a person may start to sweat. Some people break out in a rash; others can get headaches.

Resistance The second stage is resistance. In this stage, the body attempts to return to normal—a state of balance or equilibrium called HOMEOSTASIS.

Exhaustion The third stage of the general adaption syndrome is exhaustion. The body becomes so taxed from consistent stress the body becomes physically ill. In the most severe cases, organs fail and death can result.

Why is it important to recognize when your body is experiencing stress?

Short-term and long-term effects of stress can be dangerous and even life threatening. Over 50% or the illnesses in our country are stress related. Consistent or long-term stress can lead to depression, physical health ailments such as indigestion, drug abuse, and even heart disease, cancer or stroke.

If you recognize the signs and symptoms of stress, you can take positive steps to deal with stressors and protect your physical and mental health.

In the next activity, you’ll identify ways to cope with stressful situations to increase overall healthy, longevity and quality of life.