STRESS MANAGEMENT
STRESS MANAGEMENT What is Stress? Dr.HansSelye, the father of stress theory, defined stress as “the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it.” The “demand” can be a threat, a challenge or any kind of change which requires the body to adapt. The response is automatic and immediate. Stress can be good (called “eustress”) when it helps us perform better, or it can be bad (“distress”) when it causes disturbance or makes us sick. What Does the Stress Reaction Consist of? The stress reaction results from an outpouring of adrenaline, a stimulant hormone, into the blood stream. This, with other stress hormones, produces a number of changes in the body which are intended to be protective. The result often is called “the fight or flight response” because it provides the strength and energy to either fight or run away from danger. The changes include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure (to get m...