When I'm stressed, I typically notice changes in my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Physically, I frequently get headaches and seem to have no energy; cognitively, I often find it difficult to concentrate; and emotionally, I am easily irritated and overwhelmed. Along with these, I also feel an increase in pulse rate and rapid breathing due to pressure.
After studying the endocrine system, I was able to acquire an understanding on how these clinical manifestations occur. Our bodies react to stressful events with a ‘fight or flight’ response, in which the organs are programmed to react in specific ways to circumstances that are seen as challenging or dangerous. The heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels are all raised by adrenaline in response to a stressful situation that helps my body to react quickly. Additionally, when under stress, the hypothalamus instructs the pituitary to secrete a hormone, which instructs the adrenal glands to generate more cortisol, which raises blood sugar levels (glucose) and improves the brain's utilization of glucose.
This fight or flight response allows me to deal with stress effectively and helps my body to perform under pressure. Understanding this mechanism can help us manage our stress, which will result in a healthier and happier quality of life.
References:
Heckman, W., Cherry, K., & Gans, S. (2019, August 18). How the Fight or Flight Response Works. The American Institute of Stress. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.stress.org/how-the-fight-or-flight-response-works
Snider, L. (2020, March 19). The Endocrine System: The Adrenal Glands and the Stress Response. Visible Body. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.visiblebody.com/blog/the-endocrine-system-the-adrenal-glands-and-the-stress-response
Understanding the stress response. (n.d.). Harvard Health. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response