Lesson Three Lecture

Lesson Three Slides

Readings and Videos

How Chronic Stress Harms Your Body^[1]

Study Guide

• Introduction
  • The topic focuses on understanding and managing stress, emphasizing its inevitability and potential impact on mental and physical health.
  • Stress is defined as the body’s response to perceived challenges or changes, and the importance of managing stress effectively is highlighted to prevent negative health outcomes.
• Main Concepts
  • Types of Stress
    • Eustress: Positive stress that motivates and helps accomplish tasks.
    • Distress: Negative stress leading to health problems if unmanaged.
    • Acute Stress: Short-term response to immediate threats.
    • Chronic Stress: Long-term stress that can lead to health issues.
    • Traumatic Stress: Prolonged response to severe events, e.g., PTSD.
  • Stress Response
    • General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS): Three phases—alarm, resistance, and exhaustion—describe how stress impacts the body.
  • Effects of Stress
    • Physical: Includes weight gain, cardiovascular disease, hair loss, and weakened immunity.
    • Intellectual: Affects memory and concentration.
    • Psychological: Precedes mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
• Key Points
  • Managing Stress
    • Recognizing stressors and developing healthy coping mechanisms are crucial.
    • Strategies include mindfulness, exercise, and cultivating a support network.
  • Stress and Personality
    • Personality types (A, B, C, D) influence stress management.
    • Type A personalities may experience higher stress levels.
  • Stress Buffers
    • Activities like walking, gardening, and mindfulness can alleviate stress.
    • Organization and time management are vital for stress management.
• Key Terms and Definitions
  • Stressor: Any event or stimulus causing a stress response.
  • Homeostasis: The body’s state of balance, disrupted by stress.
  • Mindfulness: Awareness and acceptance of the present moment, used as a stress management tool.
  • Psychological Hardiness: Resilience in coping with stress.
• Summary and Conclusion
  • Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but managing it effectively is crucial to prevent negative health outcomes.
  • Understanding different types of stress, their effects, and strategies for management can improve overall well-being.
  • Developing awareness, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining organization are key takeaways for managing stress in daily life.^[2]