4.3 Understanding Stress

Notes

Stress is the body's response to a demand or challenge. A stressor is what causes it, like exams, conflict, change or busy schedules.

• Short-term stress can be helpful. The fight-or-flight response releases hormones that raise heart rate and sharpen focus.
• Eustress is positive stress, like before a game. Distress is stress that feels overwhelming.
• Chronic stress, lasting a long time, can cause headaches, stomach problems, poor sleep, trouble concentrating, irritability and getting sick more often.
• Signs of stress: a pounding heart, tense muscles, sweaty hands, worry, mood changes, changes in appetite or sleep.
• Not all stressors can be removed, but you can change how you respond.