Admin of the Month Mar 2015
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Borne out of our desire to survive the onslaught of potential threats during our cave-dwelling days, the human stress response lives on today as a reaction to all manner of potential pressure points.
Whether it’s a looming deadline at work, busy schedule, or particularly bad traffic, stress is an unfortunate part of our modern lifestyles.
Regardless of the cause, you may be wondering what the fight or flight response is, how it may affect your body, and tips to relieve stress.
Read on to learn more about stress. Alternatively, you might like to use the links below to navigate to the specific information you’re looking for.
You’re likely familiar with the feeling of being ‘stressed’. After all, it’s a common occurrence in many people’s lives.
Stress may be caused by major life events, both positive and negative. It may also stem from routine matters related to the demands of everyday life and day-to-day financial, familial, work-related, and personal responsibilities.
These situations activate our nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ response, which triggers our bodies to enter survival mode. It’s a mechanism that’s designed to protect us during life threatening situations (1)
Unfortunately, our bodies can sometimes overreact. When this happens, day-to-day events may also trigger this response (1). This reaction happens so quickly that we’re often unaware of the changes happening within our bodes in response to these stressors.
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What is the Fight or Flight Response?
It’s probable that you experience the fight or flight response every now and again, whether you’re aware of it or not.
When presented with a potential threat, it primes the body to respond at peak performance levels (2).
Put simply, it readies the body to either remain in the situation and ‘fight’ or run away in ‘flight’ from the danger.
Common Signs of the Fight or Flight Response:
Although you may experience the fight or flight response without knowing it, there are some physical signs to look out for. These include:
If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, or you’re otherwise concerned about your stress levels, talk to your health professional.
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What are Some of the Common Causes of Stress?
Every person’s experiences with stress are unique. A scenario that triggers a stress response in one person may not phase another. However, there are some scenarios that are common causes of stress.
You may find it useful to reflect on the following areas to identify potential sources of stress (4):
If any of these areas are contributing to your ongoing stress or you are otherwise concerned about your mental health, visit a health professional to discuss ways
Whether it’s a looming deadline at work, busy schedule, or particularly bad traffic, stress is an unfortunate part of our modern lifestyles.
Regardless of the cause, you may be wondering what the fight or flight response is, how it may affect your body, and tips to relieve stress.
Read on to learn more about stress. Alternatively, you might like to use the links below to navigate to the specific information you’re looking for.
- What is stress?
- What is the fight or flight response?
- What are some of the common causes of stress?
- What are some of the common signs of stress?
- Is there a relationship between stress and pain?
- Is there a relationship between stress and sleep?
- Tips to help support your sleep in times of stress
- Tips to relieve stress
You’re likely familiar with the feeling of being ‘stressed’. After all, it’s a common occurrence in many people’s lives.
Stress may be caused by major life events, both positive and negative. It may also stem from routine matters related to the demands of everyday life and day-to-day financial, familial, work-related, and personal responsibilities.
These situations activate our nervous system’s ‘fight or flight’ response, which triggers our bodies to enter survival mode. It’s a mechanism that’s designed to protect us during life threatening situations (1)
Unfortunately, our bodies can sometimes overreact. When this happens, day-to-day events may also trigger this response (1). This reaction happens so quickly that we’re often unaware of the changes happening within our bodes in response to these stressors.
Back to top
What is the Fight or Flight Response?
It’s probable that you experience the fight or flight response every now and again, whether you’re aware of it or not.
Initially, the fight or flight instinct developed as a way for animals to be conscious of the potential dangers around them and take action to help ensure their survival.
When presented with a potential threat, it primes the body to respond at peak performance levels (2).
Put simply, it readies the body to either remain in the situation and ‘fight’ or run away in ‘flight’ from the danger.
Common Signs of the Fight or Flight Response:
Although you may experience the fight or flight response without knowing it, there are some physical signs to look out for. These include:
- Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing: To help fuel a rapid response to the perceived threat, your heart rate and respiration rate may increase, providing energy and oxygen to the parts of the body that need it (3).
- Pale or Flushed Skin: Blood is sent to the muscles, brain, legs, and arms, supporting them to either fight or run away. As a result, blood flow to the surface areas of the body may be reduced. You may become pale or your face may switch between flushed and pale as blood rushes to your head and brain (3).
- Dilated Pupils: To be more aware and observant of your surroundings, your pupils may dilate to allow more light into the eyes and support your vision of your surroundings (4).
- Muscle Tension: As your body prepares to address the perceived threat or flee from it, you may experience heightened (and often unnecessary) muscle activity. If you continue to encounter stress-inducing situations in daily life, you may also experience ongoing muscle tension (2).
- Trembling: As your muscles get ready to respond to danger, the tension may also result in trembling or shaking (3).
If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, or you’re otherwise concerned about your stress levels, talk to your health professional.
Back to top
What are Some of the Common Causes of Stress?
Every person’s experiences with stress are unique. A scenario that triggers a stress response in one person may not phase another. However, there are some scenarios that are common causes of stress.
You may find it useful to reflect on the following areas to identify potential sources of stress (4):
- Work: including extended working hours, growing to-do lists, slow progress, and challenging workplace relationships. If you’d like to discover some tips for maintaining workplace wellbeing, click here.
- Major life changes: such as having a baby, moving to a new house, changing jobs, and moving to a new city.
- Financial tensions: including significant bills, debt, and saving efforts.
- Relationship issues: such as the breakdown of a friendship or romantic relationship.
- Study: including upcoming university deadlines and exams.
If any of these areas are contributing to your ongoing stress or you are otherwise concerned about your mental health, visit a health professional to discuss ways