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EXPLAINATION Back in the day when humans didn't control everything down to the smallest rock our lives were actually threatened sometimes. This is when the effects of stress had a purpose. When you are in a stressful situation your body goes into a mode where is gets ready for "fight or flight". Or a physical defence mode to give you a better chance of surviving the situation you're in. This is why the odd stories of "Woman lifts car to save child" and "Lumberjack lifts tree to save coworkers limb" are possible. During "fight or flight" your body is capable of crazy stuff. SYMPTOMS OF STRESS It could make you irritable. You could have sleep problems (either sleepy all the time or can't sleep). You develop appetite imbalances (either a severe loss of appetite or you can't stop eating.) You have could have trouble with co-workers, friends or family members. Chronic stress could manifest in illness, infertility or fatigue. It can suppress the immune system making a person susceptible to infectious diseases and viral infections like influenza. Stress causes the heart to beat quicker making the person vulnerable to chest pain (angina) and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia). Extreme stress may even lead to heart attack or stroke. It could aggravate existing health problems like asthma and gastrointestinal problems. A third chemical (Cortisol) is released only during emotional or psychological stress. This chemical breaks down lean tissue to produce the extra boost of sugars, as well as allows excess acid into your system, which can cause ulcers. WHAT HAPPENS DURING STRESS The heart pumps faster and with stronger beats, circulating the blood more efficiently to provide additional fuel for the body. Skeletal muscles, especially those required for quick motion or for lifting or pushing, contract and become filled with oxygenated blood, preparatory for motion. These muscles tense in readiness for confrontation of the stress. With increased circulation, there is more blood and therefore more oxygen to the brain, which stimulates the thought process. The sense of smell is sharpened by impulses sent from the cerebral cortex along the olfactory nerve. The adrenal glands are stimulated causing the secretion of large amounts of adrenaline. Further stimulation of the adrenal glands, especially the adrenal medulla, causes a heightening of blood sugar, resulting in a quick burst of energy. The airways leading to the lungs and the air passages in the lungs dilate, allowing for the deep breathing necessary in vigorous physical activity. Red blood cells flood the bloodstream so that more oxygen is carried to the muscles in the limbs and to the brain. The pupils dilate to improve vision. The pituitary glands signal the endocrine system to speed up hormone production. Chemicals released in the skeletal muscles act to reduce muscle fatigue and allow the muscles to sustain long-term rigorous activity without giving out. Chemicals that enter the bloodstream accelerate the coagulating function of the blood (if the body is injured, the blood will clot much much rapidly). OVERALL Stress lets us........ --to lash out at an attacker --to see and smell more acutely --to keep punching or running for a longer period of time --to breathe more rapidly --to avoid bleeding severely from an injury |