Stress and Health

Question 1

The reaction produced by our minds and bodies when we face a challenging situation. Depending on the situation it can have a negative or positive impact

Answer 1

Stress

Question 2

The tension that builds up before a test pushes us to study harder. This is an example, where the stress pushes us to study harder

Answer 2

Positive Stress

Question 3

If we have an unreasonable amount of work to do quickly, we may worry about it around the clock. All that worrying may result in sleepless nights. This is an example, where the situation hampers our performance

Answer 3

Negative Stress

Question 4

Situations that cause stress in our lives

Answer 4

Stressor

Question 5

A death in the family or sudden change in lifestyle are very common stressors

Answer 5

Major Life Changes

Question 6

Misplacing keys, running late, or arguing with friends also causes stress

Answer 6

Small everyday mishaps

Question 7

Physical illnesses or disabilities can make us feel helpless and increase stress

Answer 7

Biological Stressors

Question 8

Drinking, smoking, drug abuse, and lack of physical exercise, produce negative physical reactions that can lead to stress

Answer 8

Unhealthy personal habits

Question 9

The nervous system and endocrine system are responsible for our response to stressors. We respond to every stressor the same way. First by sizing up the situation and then by reacting accordingly

Answer 9

How your body processes stress

Question 10

When we encounter a stressor we go on high alert because our bodies release a hormone called adrenaline. This stage is known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” stage.
Symptoms: Increased heart rate, tightening muscles, increased perspiration, and dilated pupils

Answer 10

Alarm

Question 11

The body acts on our decision to either fight, flee, or freeze, and does so at a much higher rate than normal performance level.

Answer 11

Resistance

Question 12

No matter how we react to the stressor, after a certain point our bodies will become exhausted and wont be able to continue
- Physical fatigue comes from overexertion of the muscles, and often leads to pain
- Psychological fatigue sets in due to depression or constant worry and boredom
-Pathological fatigue is caused by prolonged illness or poor nutrition, which weakens the immune system

Answer 12

Fatigue

Question 13

• headache
• increased heart rate
• perspiration
• sleeplessness
• overeating
• inability to concentrate
• impatience
• nervous or irritable behavior

Answer 13

Warning signs of stress

Question 14

gas, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and increase acid in the stomach, causing stomach aches, extended stress can also trigger asthma and headaches. prolonged exposure to stress weakens the immune system and reduces its capacity to fight diseases, which increases chances of catching minor illnesses such as a cold or the flu

Answer 14

Physical effects of stress

Question 15

Stress interferes with our abolity to concentrate because our mind keeps going back to the stressor. Also causes us to go through drastic mood swings, this is very common among teenagers due to hormonal changes as well as academic and social pressures. Smoking and drinking as ways to reduce stress can actually increase stress levels

Answer 15

Mental and emotional effects of stress

Question 16

planning and managing time well, getting enough sleep, exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, learn to say “no” to potential stressor, look after yourself and avid the stress of doing too much in not enough time

Answer 16

managing stress

Question 17

When we experience stress the nervous energy in our bodies increase. Physical exercise such as jogging, dancing, and swimming help us release this energy. Mindfulness or meditation is another way to reduce stress. Take some deep breaths or think of something pleasant or happy to take our minds off the stressor. Laughing hepsp too because it lowers our blood pressure, which helps us feel relaxed. The most helpful of all stress reducers is to maintain a positive outlook Out thought process determines our state of mind, so a positive outlook reduces the effect of stress

Answer 17

Stress management techniques

Question 18

The ability to overcome a situation or to adjust to it

Answer 18

Resillience

Question 19

Building better relationships with out friends and family, taking good care of ourselves, not being overly critical and overly demanding or ourselves, and becoming involved in social activities

Answer 19

Strategies to increase resilience