Chapter 3 Flashcards
What is stress
Stress is the response of your body and mind to being challenged or threatened.
•At moderate levels, stress can actually improve your ability to concentrate and perform at your best.
•Beyond that level, however, it begins to take a negative toll on performance
An event or situation that causes stress is called a ______
Stressor
Four general types of stressors
- major life changes
- catastrophes
- everyday problems
- environmental problems
Eustress
stress that produces positive effects
Distress
produces negative effects
Stages of stress
- The alarm stage
- The resistance stage
- The exhaustion stage
Alarm stage
- Adrenaline released into the blood
- HR and Blood Pressure Increase
- Flow of blood to brain increases
- Breathing rate increases
- More sugar is released into the blood
- Sweating increases
- Digestion slows
- Pupils open wide
- Muscles tense
- Lump forms in throat as muscles contract
Resistance stage
During this stage your body adapts to the continued presence of the stressor
- The work that your body does during the resistance stage uses up a lot of energy. As a result, you may become tired, irritable, and less able to handle any added stress
Exhaustion stage
Your body can no longer keep up with the demands you have placed on it
- Your physical and emotional resources are depleted
- Exhaustion occurs only if a stressor continues for a long time usually weeks, months, or even years
Signs of stress
Overeating or not eating at all Sleep problems Hurrying; talking fast Withdrawing from relationships Reckless Behavior
Stress and illness
Stress can trigger certain illnesses, reduce the body’s ability to fight an illness, and make some diseases harder to control.
- Stomachaches
- Asthma
- Headaches
- Lowered Resistance to Disease
- Heart Disease
Optimism
is the tendency to focus on the positive aspects of a situation
Pessimism
is the tendency to focus on the negative and expect the worst
Tension reducers
Physical Activity
- Provides the body with a healthy outlet for pent up energy
Relaxation
- Use specific techniques to give your mind and body a rest
