Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education Additional Supports ...

Teacher Resource (Overheads)
Effects of Stress
Stage I : The Initial Alarm Reaction
The ÒFight or FlightÓ Response
1. The mind becomes aware of the stimulus through the
senses or thoughts.
2. Within seconds, sometimes even before the stressor is
identified, the brainÕs arousal system activates the
sympathetic nervous system. Adrenalin and other stress
hormones are released. Nervous stimulation and
hormones act upon every part of the body to prepare it
for physical action.
3. Mental alertness increases and sense organs become
more sensitive, e.g. the pupils dilate to take in more
details over a wider range of vision.
4. Pulse and respiration speed up and blood pressure
increases to improve transport of glucose and oxygen
and carbon dioxide to and from the muscles and brain.
5. Sweating increases as body heat is moved from the core
of the body to the skin.
6. Muscles tense up in preparation for exertion.
7. The liver releases more blood clotting factors in case of
injury.
8. Blood sugar, fats and glycogen are mobilized for extra
energy.
9. Stomach and kidney action stops as all blood is re-routed
to organs of priority.
10. Hair may stand on end. In animals this protective
response makes the animal appear larger and more
threatening to its attacker.
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education (PPL30), Module #2 Positive Mental Health and Stress
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