
Self-Actualization

Self-Esteem

Love/Belonging

Safety/Security

Physiological
What is stress?
Ch. 4 pg. 92
What is stress?
◦ Stress - the reaction of the body and mind to
everyday challenges and demands
What causes stress?
◦ Stressors cause stress. They can be real, imagined,
anticipated, or unexpected.
◦ Stressor – anything that causes stress
Can stress be good?
 Your perception of a situation determines if
stress is positive or negative.
Can be positive or negative
 Positive stress can motivate or inspire
 Stress is negative when it interferes with your
ability to perform.
◦ Negative stress can cause distraction, anger,
frustration, a feeling of being overwhelmed or
becoming impatient.
Three Stages of Stress Response
1.
Alarm
Resistance
2.
3.
Fatigue
Alarm

Mind and body go on high alert. Both
nervous and endocrine systems are activated.

Body activates the “fight or flight”
response in preparation to run from threat or
fight it.
1
3
2
Hormone secreted from the
Hypothalamus acts on Pituitary Gland
Pituitary secrets a hormone
that acts on the Adrenal
glands.
Adrenal Glands
secrete adrenaline,
which is the
“emergency
hormone” that
prepares the body
to respond to a
stressor.









Pupils dilate
Increase in perspiration
Increase in heart rate
Rise in blood pressure
Faster respiration rate
Narrowing of arteries to internal organs and
skin
Increased blood flow to muscles and brain
Increase in muscle tension
Release of blood sugar, fats, and cholesterol.
Resistance
 Exposure forces your body to adapt and react
to a stressor.
 Results may vary
◦ Higher performance
◦ Anxiety
Fatigue
 Prolonged exposure to stress will cause your
body to lose its ability to adapt.
 Exhaustion will lead to your body’s inability
to manage other stressors effectively.
Psychosomatic Response – the physical
reaction that results from stress rather than
from an injury or illness





Headaches
Weakened immune system
High blood pressure
Grinding teeth or clenching jaw
Digestive disorders
Obvious
Not obvious




Avoid stressful situations
Use refusal skills
Plan ahead
Think positive!!
Avoiding all stress is impossible!
Manage stressful situations by:
 Practice relaxation techniques
◦ Deep breathing
◦ Thinking about more pleasant thoughts
◦ Stretching

Redirect your energy in a positive way

Seek Support
◦ Exercise
◦ Friendly competition
◦ Creative project
◦ Friends, family, teachers you trust can provide objective
views and valuable advice.
◦ Sometimes professional support is needed.

Adequate rest

Regular Exercise

Nutritious and balanced diet