Stress is the body’s response to any demand for change. The stress response is a natural, physical way to protect us from harm or threat. It helps us to stay alert and focused, and can even save our lives.
The stress response is governed by the autonomic nervous system, which is made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These two systems work together to help us respond to stress in a way that is appropriate for the situation.
The sympathetic nervous system activates the “fight-or-flight” response, which prepares us for action. The parasympathetic nervous system slows down bodily functions that are not essential for survival in a dangerous situation.
Together, these two systems help us to maintain a balance between arousal and relaxation. However, when we experience chronic or long-term stress, it can lead to imbalances in these systems that can have negative effects on our health and well-being.
There are five stages of stress: alarm, resistance, exhaustion, recovery, and adaptation. The alarm stage is characterized by an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as heightened senses (e.g., increased vigilance). This is followed by the resistance stage during which we try to cope.
Stage 1: Fight or Flight. We perceive some kind of threat
When we feel like we are in danger, our bodies automatically go into the fight-or-flight response. This is a natural and instinctive response that has evolved to help us survive dangerous situations.
During the fight-or-flight response, our bodies release a burst of adrenaline and other hormones that prepare us for action. Our heart rate and blood pressure increase, we start to breathe more quickly, and our muscles tense up. This all happens very quickly, within a matter of seconds.
The fight-or-flight response is helpful in dangerous situations when we need to be alert and ready to act quickly. However, it can also be triggered by less life-threatening situations, such as public speaking or taking an exam. In these cases, the fight-or-flight response can be counterproductive because it can make us feel more anxious and stressed.
Stage 2: Alarm Reaction.: The body’s emergency stress management system is “on.”:
Once the threat has passed, our bodies should return to normal functioning. However, sometimes the stressors in our lives are constant or recurring, which can cause the alarm reaction stage to last for extended periods of time. When this happens, it takes a toll on our physical and mental health.
Some of the symptoms that may occur during this stage include: headaches; muscle tension; difficulty sleeping; irritability; anxiety; and depression. If you are constantly feeling stressed or anxious, it is important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about ways to manage your stress levels.
Stage 2: Damage control
The second stage of stress is when the body starts to experience the negative effects of stress. This is when the body starts to go into damage control mode in an attempt to protect itself from further harm.
During this stage, the body releases a number of hormones and chemicals that can have a range of negative effects. These include:
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: This puts strain on the cardiovascular system and can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
• Muscle tension: This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It can also contribute to problems such as headaches, migraines and TMJ disorders.
Stage 3: Recovery
The third stage of stress is recovery. In this stage, your body starts to repair the damage that was done during the stress response. This can take a little or a lot of time, depending on how severe the stress was and how well you take care of yourself.
During recovery, it is important to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. You should also avoid any activities that could trigger another stress response. If you are having trouble sleeping or eating, or if you are feeling anxious or depressed, talk to your doctor about ways to help you through this stage.
Stage 4: Adaption
When we experience stress, our bodies go through a series of changes in order to help us deal with the perceived threat. This is known as the fight-or-flight response and it is a normal, natural reaction that has evolved over time to help us survive.
The first stage of stress is known as alarm. This is when we first perceive a threat and our bodies start to prepare for action. Our heart rate increases, our breathing becomes more shallow and rapid, and our muscles tense up in preparation for fighting or fleeing.
The second stage of stress is resistance. This is when we try to cope with the stressor by using all of the resources at our disposal. We might try to reason with the person or situation causing the stress, or we might try to ignore it and hope it will go away on its own.
If the stressor persists, we enter into the third stage of stress: exhaustion. This is when our bodies start to shut down due to prolonged exposure to the stressor. We may feel physically and emotionally drained, and we may have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. If left unchecked, exhaustion can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or even death.
The fourth stage of stress is adaptation. This is when our bodies have finally become used to the presence of the stressor and have learned how best to deal with it. We may not be able.
Stage 5: Burnout
At this stage, an individual has become so overwhelmed by stress that they may no longer be able to cope. They may feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. This can lead to serious problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in this stage of stress, it is important to seek professional help immediately.