Stress is the mental and physical response and adaptation by our bodies to the real or perceived changes and challenges in our life (Donatelle 2016). Kendra is facing a multitude of distress due to her responsibilities of being a student, athlete, and a strong daughter. The higher levels of stress Kendra experiences and the longer the stress continues, the greater the likelihood of her causing severe damage to both her physical and mental health. Although Kendra is under a large amount of negative stress, there are multiple coping strategies she can utilize to prevent herself from undergoing a long-term burnout.
Some signs of stress Kendra may be showing are weight gain, digestive problems, impaired memory, and depression. Although Kendra may be playing soccer, higher levels of stress increase cortisol levels in the bloodstream. This in turn, contributes to hunger and the activation of fat-storing enzymes. Kendra may be using food as a way of escaping her stress and finding comfort in eating frequently. Digestive problems are not directly related with stress, but Kenda has a higher chance of increasing the symptoms of stomachache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation; stress stimulates the colon though the nervous system.
Due to GAS, the sympathetic nervous system is activated by both distress and eustress. By relaxing and being mindful, the activity of the sympathetic system decreases, and the activity of the parasympathetic system increases (Donatelle 2016). Also, Kendra may be experiencing impaired memory. Stress hormones released from the adrenal cortex can affect the way we think, decide, and respond to stressful situations. She may be forgetting to do assignments, waiting until the last minute to study, and overlooking important information on tests and quizzes. Her grades will deteriorate if she continues to experience high levels of stress.
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Lastly, Kendra may be experiencing acute depression. If Kendra resides in the GAS stage of exhaustion for a long period of time, her desire to not go to class, miss soccer games, and ignore her home life will be increased. Due to Kendra’s parents getting divorced, the chronic stressor can lead to her facing a higher rate of not just depression, but other mental disorders as well (Flavin-Hall 2017). There are multiple physical and mental symptoms Kendra may be suffering, but these are just a few.
Kendra can utilize multiple strategies to reduce the amount of stress she is facing. The first strategy is the 4-7-8 breathing technique. This technique is designed to put the body in a rest state by focusing on deep breathing and being in the moment. The autonomic nervous system controls breathing automatically, but Kendra can lower her rate of breathing by employing the breathing technique when she feels stressed or overwhelmed (Flavin-Hall 2017). This technique can also improve her sleep, reduce depression, and increase positive feelings. Another strategy to reduce stress is exercise. Although Kendra playing soccer may be a stressor, it is beneficial to her health. Exercise allows the body to release endorphins from the endocrine system, so Kendra can feel more lively and functional.
Lastly, time management is an extremely important stress management technique. Kendra needs to allow herself to keep a planner, so she can keep track of tests, quizzes, assignments, soccer games, practices, and her visits home. By utilizing time management, Kendra will improve memory, which in turn improves the functions on the nervous system. Overall, Kendra may be discouraged by her stressors, but her life can easily be turned around by limiting the amount of stress she faces.
