1. Stress & Response to Stress
Chapter 4

2. Stages of Stress
3 Phases
Alarm
Resistance
Recovery / Exhaustion

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. Recovery / Exhaustion Recovery
Occurs when the stress stops affecting the body
All body systems return to normal
R&R (Rest & Recreation) after stressful periods

7. 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)

8. Key Terms Nervous system Hormonal system Immune system Stress hormone
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Immunity