When activated too long or too often, stress can damage virtually every part of our body.

Talking Points:

  • Biologically, stress is caused by the release of hormones. Problems can arise if these hormones are released too consistently.
  • Continued stress can also affect digestion and weight retention by disrupting normal, healthy digestion.
  • Continued stress will affect your immune system in the long-term, making you more susceptible to sickness.
  • To negate these effects, you must learn how to healthily handle stress so you do not suffer its most serious side-effects.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What are some things that cause you stress? Do these things happen often or rarely?
  3. What side effects of stress do you notice most often in your own life?
  4. Do you think it’s important to know the effects stress can have on your body? Why or why not?
  5. What sort of things do you do to combat stress? Are these things effective?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?