If you can't fight or flee, then flow.
The human body responds to stress in many ways. The main stress reaction in the body is called the "fight or flight" response, commonly referred to as "the stress response". When the body has this response, a number of changes happen without us being aware of it. Our muscles contract, preparing to fight or run away. Our bodies release stress hormones including adrenalin and cortisol. Our heart rate increases and our bodies start to sweat. These reactions are helpful when we have a physically stressful event (like encountering a bear while hiking in the forest).
However, these same reactions happen when we have psychological stressors like school, worries about grades, dating, finances, or upcoming decisions to make. While the stress response is helpful when we face physical threats, it is not at all helpful for psychological threats. Humans are the only animals that carry around stress in their minds, and this psychological stress can cause heart problems and strokes. Although we cannot avoid stress, we can learn how to deal with it. The Stress Management and Biofeedback Lab will help you learn how to relax while you are having stress and hopefully help prevent some possible stress related damage to your body.
