Stress

The non-specific response of the

body to any demand made upon it in
order to maintain physiological
equilibrium
Corbin, C.B., Concepts of Fitness and
Wellness, 4th edition, 2004, p.349
!eneral Adaptation Syndrome
˜

O


 the fight-or -flight reaction
 the body is more susceptible to disease or
injury because it is geared up to deal with a
crisis
 A person in this phase may experience
headaches, indigestion, anxiety and
disrupted sleeping and eating patterns
Fahey, T.D., et al, Fit and Well, Core Concepts and Labs in Physical
Fitness and Wellness 5th edition, 2002, pp. 287-288
!eneral Adaptation Syndrome
˜

î



 With continued stress, the body develops a
new level of homeostasis in which it is
more resistant to disease and injury than
normal
 A person in this stage can cope with
normal life and added stress
Fahey, T.D., et al, Fit and Well, Core Concepts and Labs in Physical
Fitness and Wellness 5th edition, 2002, pp. 287-288
!eneral Adaptation Syndrome
˜






t¶s a life-threatening type of physiological
exhaustion characterized by such
symptoms as distorted perceptions and
disorganized thinking

Fahey, T.D., et al, Fit and Well, Core Concepts and Labs in Physical
Fitness and Wellness 5th edition, 2002, pp. 287-288
Physical Responses to Stressors

Fahey, T.D., et al, Fit and Well, Core Concepts and Labs in Physical
Fitness and Wellness 5th edition, 2002, pp. 284-285
Symptoms of Excess Stress
Physical Emotional Behavioral
Symptoms Symptoms Symptoms
‡ Dry mouth ‡ Anxiety ‡ Crying
‡ Excessive Perspiration ‡ Depression ‡ Disrupted Eating Habits
‡ Frequent llnesses ‡ Fatigue ‡ Disrupted Sleeping
‡ !astrointestinal ‡ Hypervigilance Habits
Problem ‡ mpulsiveness ‡ Harsh Treatment of
‡ !rinding of Teeth ‡ nability to Concentrate Others
‡ Headaches ‡ rritability ‡ Problems
‡ High Blood Pressure Communicating
‡ Trouble Remembering
‡ Pounding Heart Things ‡ Social solation
‡ Stiff Neck or Aching ‡ ncreased use of
Lower Back tobacco, alcohol or
other drugs

Fahey, T.D., et al, Fit and Well, Core Concepts and Labs in Physical
Fitness and Wellness 5th edition, 2002, pp. 288
Stressors
Anything that produces stress or increases the
rate of wear and tear on the body
 Environmental Stressors
 Physical Stressors
 Emotional Stressors

Corbin, C.B., Concepts of Fitness and

Wellness, 5th edition, 2004, p. 349
Level of Stress
Eustress ± positive stress or stress that is mentally or
physically stimulating
Distress ± negative stress or stress that contributes to
health problems
 Too little stress is undesirable and stressful ± rust-out
 Moderate stress ± eustress
 Excessive stress reduces the effectiveness of the
immune system ± burn-out

Corbin, C.B., Concepts of Fitness and

Wellness, 5th edition, 2004, p. 348
Stress Management
1. Recognize the causes of the stress and be aware
of the symptoms
2. Use some type of relaxation for relief of
symptoms
3. Seek solutions for avoiding some of the stressors
and for controlling your lifestyle
4. Be as fit and healthy as possible
ÿ 


 
 
  



  
 

Corbin, C.B., Concepts of Fitness and
Wellness, 5th edition, 2004
Techniques in Managing Stress
 Social Support
 Communication
 Exercise
 Nutrition
 Sleep
 Time Management
 Cognitive Techniques Fahey, T.D., et al, `

 
 



 
  
 Relaxation Techniques `


 

 

,
2002, pp. 291-298
Methods of Relaxation
 Stretching exercises and rhythmical exercises
 Massage, heat and deep breathing aid relaxation
of tense muscles
 Conscious relaxation technique: reduce mental
activity, recognize tension, reduce respiration
 Quick fix
 Progressive Muscle Relaxation
 magery

Corbin, C.B., Concepts of Fitness and

Wellness, 5th edition, 2004
Counterproductive Coping
Strategies
 Tobacco
 Alcohol
 Other Drugs
 Binge Eating

Fahey, T.D., et al, Fit and Well, Core Concepts and Labs in
Physical Fitness and Wellness 5th edition, 2002, p. 298