Effects of Stress

Top 3 things to live longer:1.Include one exercise2.Eat well3.Manage Stress

Stress in your life…

Stress – the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands in everyday life• Running late

• Can’t find your keys

• Exam

• Athletic events

• Arguments with friends

Reacting to Stress

Can have positive and negative effects• Positive - motivate you to do your best and

give you the extra energy you need

• Negative – Losing sleep after arguing with a friend, being so worried about a test

What Causes Stress? Stressor – anything that causes stress

• Potential stressors – people, places, objects, events, and situations

5 general categories of stressors• Biological stressors – illness, disabilities, injuries• Environmental stressors – poverty, pollution, crowding,

noise, natural disasters• Cognitive, or thinking, stressors – ways you perceive a

situation or how it effects you and the world around you• Personal Behavior Stressors – negative reactions in the

body and mind caused by using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs or by lack of physical activity

• Life Situation Stressors – death, separation, divorce, relationships

The Body’s Stress Response Nervous system and endocrine system

are activated during the body’s response to stress

Response is largely involuntary, or automatic

Cortisol and Adrenaline – free drugs the body produces in stressful situations

Happens in 3 stages

The Alarm Response

First stage in the stress response Fight or Flight response – body prepares body

to either defend itself or flee from a threat Physical symptoms:

• Pupil dilation

• Increase in perspiration

• Faster heart rate and pulse

• Rise in blood pressure

• Increased blood flow

Resistance 2nd stage in stress response, if stressor continues Body has adapted to the rush created by the alarm and

reacts to the stressor Decide to “Fight” or take “flight” Choose fight – your ability to resist a physical challenge

or attack may be enhanced Choose flight – may be able to run farther and faster than

normal in order to escape from danger Body performs at a higher level of endurance High-stress situations have been known to accomplish

incredible feats during the resistance stage

Fatigue

3rd stage of the stress response When stressor is prolonged, body is

unable to adapt to the situation Cannot manage other stressors Mind and body become exhausted

Stress and Your Health

Physical Effects• Headache – most common, 70% of people world wide

will experience at least one stress headache/year

• Asthma – Stress will trigger asthma attacks

• High blood pressure – increased cholesterol – fatty substance that blocks arteries

• Weakened immune system – Results in extended exposure to stress, more prone to colds and the flu

Effects of Stress

Emotional Signs• Nervousness

• Frustration

• Crying

Mental Signs• Trouble concentrating

• Lack if creativity

• Lose sense of humor

Effects of Stress

Behavioral Signs• Not eating

• Overeating

• Compulsive talking

• Tapping feet

• Drumming fingers

• Change in sleep pattern

Stress and the Eating Cycle

Under stress• Craving for sugars/proceed foods

• Temporary energy surge

• Insulin levels elevated• Easier to store fat

• Sugar levels drop

• Feel low, body repeats steps

Stress and Your Health

Mental/Emotional and Social Effects• Difficulty concentrating – lead to failure

• Mood swings

• Risks of substance abuse – increase person’s risk of drug use

Taking Control of Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress – stress associated with long-term problems that are beyond a person’s control

Strategies for controlling the effects of stress• Engage in physical activity

• Look for support among your friends and family

• Find a hobby or activity that relaxes you

• Avoid using tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs