Session 1:Your Body On Stress

Welcome!

This session…… we will learn about the stress response, how it impacts our health, and identify personal stress triggers.

What is stress?

Stress is your body’s response to anything that causes

imbalance to the system.

• Worry• Negati

vity

•Illness• Poor nutrition• Inadequate

sleep

• Disagreements

• Loss• Financial

• Clutter• Pollution• Noise

Environment Social

Thoughts

Physiological

Stress through thoughts

Power of Perception“Among

occupationally active 44- to 58-year-old men and

women, perceived stress

symptoms in midlife correlated with

disability 28 years later.”

Your stress response

What are you feeling? Mentally Emotionally Physically

Where are other situations that you feel this way?

A Chemical Reaction

Why do we respond this way?

How do you feel now?

Good in the short term…

Helps us to adapt!

Cell growth is initiated by acute stress

Enhances our memory and attention

What about “good” stress?

When does stress become harmful?

Chronic stress cycle Stress

or

Reaction to Stress

Wear and Tear on Body

Reduced Optimum

Health

Increased Sensitivity to Stress

Long-term Consequences

Heart disease Metabolism & Digestion Increased risk of Diabetes Memory & Cognition Suppressed immune system Chronic pain Depression & Anxiety

Memory & Cognitive Function

Chronic Pain

Digestion & Metabolism

Immune system

Successful Aging Research

What can I do about it?

Summary

Stress is your body’s response to imbalance

Chronic stress is associated with chronic conditions of all types

We are the only mammals that induce stress through thoughts, memories, emotions, or anticipated stress

Perception of being stressed and sense of control are keys to interrupting the chronic stress cycle

Next session…… we will explore how our stress impacts others and what we can do about it.