Lesson 1

Today’s Agenda:

1. Review Healthful Eating Choices Research.

2. TO: How does stress affect us physically, mentally, and socially. 3. Complete United Healthcare Stress Resistance Quiz.

Lesson Objectives

Lesson 1

How Does Stress Affect You?

How much stress you feel depends on your

perception of events that cause stress.

Perception is the act of becoming aware

One way to manage stress is to change how you perceive

and react to events that cause it.

Stress in Your Life

Lesson 1

How Do You React to Stress?

Stress is not necessarily good or

bad, but it can have positive or

negative effects.

It can motivate you to do your

best.

It can give you the extra energy

you need to reach your goals.

It can also be unhealthy at

times.

Reacting to Stress

Lesson 1 What Causes Stress?

To learn how to manage stress, you need to know what causes it.

Five general categories of stressors (anything that causes

stress):

1. Biological (sick)

2. Environmental (poverty, noise, crowds)

3. Cognitive, or thinking (perception of a situation)

4. Personal behavior (negative reactions by drugs, alcohol,

lack of physical activity)

5. Life situation (death, divorce, relationships)

Stressors

Lesson 1 The Body’s Stress Response

When you perceive a situation to be a threat, your body

begins a stress response.

Two body systems, the nervous system and the endocrine

system, are active.

This response is largely involuntary, or automatic.

How the Body Responds to Stress

Lesson 1 The Body’s Stress Response

Stages of the Stress Response

Resistance

Fatigue

1. Alarm Alarm is the first stage in the

stress response.

During this reaction, your body

and mind go on high alert.

This reaction is sometimes

referred to as the “fight-or-flight

response.”

Lesson 1 The Body’s Stress Response

Stages of the Stress Response

Your body adapts to the rush

created by alarm and reacts to the

stressor.

You “fight” or take “flight.”

Your body is briefly able to perform

at a higher level of endurance.

2. Resistance

Fatigue

Alarm

Lesson 1 The Body’s Stress Response

Stages of the Stress Response

Fatigue may set in when exposure to

stress is prolonged. It may be:

Physical: When the muscles work vigorously for long periods

Psychological: Due to constant

worry, overwork, depression,

boredom, or isolation

Pathological: Brought on by

overworking the body’s defenses in

fighting disease

Resistance

3. Fatigue

Alarm

Lesson 1 Stress and Your Health

Physical Effects

Stress can lead to a psychosomatic response

(physical reaction from prolonged stress).

Some stress-related health problems:

Headache

Asthma High blood pressure

Weakened immune system

Lesson 1 Stress and Your Health

Mental/Emotional and Social Effects

Stress can interfere with daily activities and relationships with

others. It may lead to:

Difficulty concentrating.

Mood swings.

Risks of substance abuse.

Lesson 1 Taking Control of Chronic Stress

Reactions to Chronic Stress

One type of prolonged stress is chronic stress. It lasts longer,

sometimes for months.

Some symptoms:

Upset stomach

Headache

Insomnia

Change in appetite

Feeling anxious

Lesson 1 Taking Control of Chronic Stress

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,

or other drugs.

Lesson 1

Q. The act of becoming aware

through the senses is _____.

1. stress

2. psychosomatic

response

3. chronic stress

4. perception

Choose the appropriate option.

Quick Review

Lesson 1

Provide a short answer to the question given below.

Q. List the five general categories of stressors.

Click Next to view the answer.

Quick Review

Lesson 1

Provide a short answer to the question given below.

Q. Describe the three stages of the body’s response to

stress.

Click Next to view the answer.

Quick Review

Lesson 1

What healthful alternatives would you recommend to a teen who is

thinking about using drugs to deal with stress? Explain the

importance of alternatives to substance abuse.

Provide a short answer to the question given below.

Quick Review