1. Stress

2. The Biology of Stress “Fight or Flight” Our ancestors needed stress reactions to boost adrenaline levels in case of sudden threats.

3. Adrenaline: 1. Increases heart rate and breathing. 2. Makes liver pump more sugar into bloodstream. 3. Temporarily shuts down non-essential systems (like digestion and the immune system) to divert energy. All of this quickly increases your muscle performance and energy level. You’re ready for “Fight or Flight”

4. The Biology of Stress Stress also causes your body to produce cortisol, a hormone that sustains the higher energy level produced by adrenaline. Adrenaline = short term boost. Cortisol = medium term boost.

5. PAIR/SHARE: Speculate about the possible negative consequences to your health of adrenaline and cortisol.

6. Stress: Short Term Health Consequences Every “fight or flight” response weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

7. Stress: Long Term Health Consequences Insomnia Depression Exhaustion Loss of appetite Sexual disorders

8. Long-Term Stress Impacts Mental Health Over-reacting Defensive Irritable Irrational

9. Long-Term Stress Impacts Performance You may not make good decisions—your “bandwidth” gets consumed by stressful thoughts. Shorter attention span. Fine motor skills can be affected. Helpless, overwhelmed feeling.

10. What are some of the unhealthy ways that people sometimes deal with stress? List those ways on the board.

11. PAIR/SHARE: Speculate about healthy ways that you can reduce your stress level.

12. Healthy, Effective Ways to Reduce Stress Sleep: Most teenagers need a minimum of 7 hours. Exercise releases endorphins: At least 20 mins, 5x/week. Talk to someone you trust. Spend more time with the people that you love. Laughter. Seriously, it works. Even fake laughter.

13. If all else fails…. Puppies!

14. Assignment 1. Thinking about your goals for the future, how much stress are you willing to accept as part of your life? 2. What ways do you deal with stress? (At least 2) 3. What realistic goals can you set to deal with stress more effectively/healthfully? (Answer at least 2) Option A: ½-1 page. Proofread please! Option B: Illustrate your answers to these questions. Follow the illustration rubric carefully.