Stress & Response to Stress Chapter 4
Stages of Stress 3 Phases Alarm Resistance Recovery / Exhaustion
Alarm Occurs when you think you are facing a challenge Body releases hormones which activate nerves & all body systems Everything in the body increases (pulse, blood pressure, stomach acid, energy level, etc)
Resistance A state of “fight or flight” reaction 2 options = fight / face the stress or flee / avoid the stress Called an unbalanced state; Why? Increase muscle activity with a decrease in body systems
Fight or Flight Reaction Unbalanced state Body systems reaction Heart rate increases Muscles tense Blood flow to skin decrease Blood flow to digestive organs decrease Blood flow to brain increase Immune system decreases
Recovery / Exhaustion Recovery Occurs when the stress stops affecting the body All body systems return to normal R&R (Rest & Recreation) after stressful periods
Exhaustion Chronic stress with no breaks will lead to exhaustion Your body is in overdrive and recovery becomes delayed Body systems are affected (Ex = stomach ulcers, infections, insomnia)
Key Terms Nervous system Hormonal system Immune system Stress hormone Epinephrine Norepinephrine Immunity