The Origin and Biology of Sress Flashcards
Origins Of Stress
Stress is an important survival mechanism that dates back to a time when we were primitive beings, under the constant threat of attack out in the wild. Without our reactions to stress, we would have been dinner to predators. Stress activates the response in our body referred to as the “fight or flight response” to help us fight off danger or escape from harm. Here,
Biology Of Stress
When our sympathetic nervous system is activated from stress, our body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Our blood pressure and heart rate rise, and blood flows towards larger muscles to prepare us for movement. This response was tremendously helpful in prehistoric times when we would find ourselves in danger of a predator and needed to run to safety, or fight for survival.
Three ways we face stress, according to Ronald D. Siegel, Harvard Clinical Professor of Psychology:
Resistance to inevitable change
Seeking pleasure and avoiding pain
Wishing things were different than the way they are
Resistance To Change
Our resistance to change whether it is big or small can create stress in our lives. This could be the loss of a loved one, losing a job, changing our marital status or relationship status, social changes, moving, planning a wedding, planning a vacation, etc.
