10.38 Stress Management

10.38.2 Define stress. 

Stress is a physiological and psychological response to a perceived threat or challenge.

When we encounter a stressful situation, our bodies release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which trigger a "fight or flight" response.

This response prepares us to either confront the threat or escape from it and can lead to physical changes such as:

• increased heart rate;

• rapid breathing; and

• elevated blood pressure.

While stress can be a normal response to certain situations, chronic or excessive stress can have negative effects on health and well-being.

Prolonged stress can contribute to:

• high blood pressure;

• heart disease;

• weakened immune function;

• anxiety; and

• depression.

The aviation environment is rich in potential stressors.

Key point

Stress is the body's response to a perceived threat, demand or challenge.

10.38.4 Describe a simple model of stress. 

A simple model of stress involves three stages:

Alarm → Resistance → Exhaustion

1. Alarm Stage

The alarm stage is the body's initial response to stress.

Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, preparing the body for the fight or flight response.