*Inspired by “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers” by Robert M. Sapolsky

Human Response

Stress is part of everyone’s life. Regardless the type of stress, our body typically handles it in the same way, with the “fight or flight response”.

However, thanks to our brains, we have out innovated the traditional needs for a “fight flight” response seen in nature. And by “out innovated” I mean we get stressed out about work and social life drama while animals get stressed out predators eating them.

Essentially, we have out adapted this response (we aren’t getting chased by animals) and instead use it for other non-related stressors, typically those in the form of perceived psychological stress.

Why does this matter?

In essence, the body has a simple on off switch in regards to rebuilding (anabolism) or breaking down and mobilizing energy (catabolism) governed by your parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.

Basically, when one is on, the other is inhibited. You can’t build up and breakdown at the same time. In regards to athletics, this is critical for recovery and adaptation. If the system is always breaking down, how do you expect to rebuild?

The key here is not just physical stress, but psychological too. Both stresses activate the sympathetic nervous system and make your body on high alert. This is why injuries spike during finals week; The system is all go and there is no time to rebuild.

As a coach, we cannot look at workouts in isolation. Understanding the grander scheme of stress and how it influences athletes is critical for health and success. Ideally, auto-regulation using subjective and objective measures will give you the most insight.

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