What is Stress?

WHAT IS STRESS. Stressors are external threats or challenges. Stress is our body's reaction to the stressor. BRAIN When a person experiences fear or uncertainty from a stressor, the brain triggers a 'fight or flight' reaction. The brain, in order to survive, shuts down certain systems and amps up other systems. BODY What does the body do to prepare for fight or flight? digestive system shuts down, heart rate increases and heart pounding, muscles become tense, vision may narrow (for focus), hearing may become more sensitive, a state of high-alert In an actual emergency, these automatic reactions are very helpful and life-saving. But as you go through your daily routine, these feelings become chronic and uncomfortable. This is where the idea of 'stress' comes in. Stress is the result of being in a high-alert state for a long period of time. BRAIN When a person experiences fear or uncertainty from a stressor, the brain triggers a 'fight or flight' reaction. The brain, in order to survive, shuts down certain systems and amps up other systems. BODY What does the body do to prepare for fight or flight? digestive system shuts down, heart rate increases and heart pounding, muscles become tense, vision may narrow (for focus), hearing may become more sensitive, a state of high-alert In an actual emergency, these automatic reactions are very helpful and life-saving. But as you go through your daily routine, these feelings become chronic and uncomfortable. This is where the idea of 'stress' comes in. Stress is the result of being in a high-alert state for a long period of time.

Stressors are external threats or challenges. Stress is our body's reaction to the stressor.

When a person experiences fear or uncertainty from a stressor, the brain triggers a "fight or flight" reaction. The brain, in order to survive, shuts down certain systems and amps up other systems.

What does the body do, to prepare for fight or flight? Your digestive system shuts down, your muscles become tense, your hearing may become more sensitive, your vision may narrow (for focus), your heart rate increases and you may feel your heart pounding. You go into a state of high-alert and are ready to either attack or run.

In an actual emergency, these automatic reactions are very helpful and life-saving. But as you go through your daily routine, these feelings become chronic and uncomfortable. This is where the idea of "stress" comes in.

Stress is the result of being in a high-alert state for a long period of time.