RAB source entry 3–Leslie

Part 1: MLA citation 

The Science of Stress: How Does Stress Affect Our Brains and Bodies? www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4opDJOCEKA. 

Part 2: Summary

In the video, “The Science of Stress: How Does Stress Affect Our Brains and Bodies,” Dr. Yewande Pearse a neuroscience researcher claims that stress can cause negative changes within the brain, is not always a bad thing, and that there are ways to relieve our stress. Dr. Pearse gives an example of what can cause stress; Stress can be implemented from feelings of pain, inflammation, hunger, cold, or even strong emotions such as anger/frustration. Stress is technically not bad, but it allows us to respond to certain threats such as headaches. And can help us survive by sending us signals to reduce those threats. Next, the neuroscientist goes on to explain the different kinds of stresses there are that can cause negative changes within the brain.  Physical stress is where our subconscious or autonomic stress which involves the brain stem (the bottom, stalk-like portion of your brain. It connects your brain to your spinal cord.) regulates the cardiovascular and respiratory system. Psychological stressors on the other hand are more common. One of the examples mentioned in the video was giving a speech; Usually, when we make a speech we may tend to feel nervous. Both of these stressors are perceived in an anticipated way creating anxiety easily and may heavily rely on limbic structures (processes of emotions and memory).  Then, the commenter discusses how stress is triggered. The sympathetic adrenal medulla or (SAM) is a route used through which the brain directs the sympathetic branch(the part of the nervous system that carries signals) and triggers the adrenal glands to secrete noradrenaline(a hormone) chemical that makes our heart rate and alertness sharper, which allows us to face any kind of challenge. Lastly, the presenter concludes with ways to relieve ourselves from stress; practicing mindfulness can be applied and can reduce stress no matter how it’s practiced. Meditation is recommended by the researcher Pearse and can strengthen the mental muscles that will help the brain increase our well-being. 

Part 3: Reflection

I agree with what Dr. Pearse said in the video because I believe that stress is something that affects anyone and is seen as a bad or not good thing most of the time. I am glad that our body is so powerful and smart in giving us those small signals to tell us “Hey something is wrong” or “Hey I’m not feeling well.” I myself have experienced being stressed out. One time I had to study for a major exam that was coming up in the spring of my senior year in high school. It was stressful for me to take my time to study for that test since I had many other things to do like completing my assignments, and going to work. I’m glad that when I was done taking the test I didn’t have to worry about it anymore, but it did cause me to have headaches and feel tired most of the time. Some ways I managed the stress back then were doing yoga or listening to music. I signed up for a yoga class at my HS and it did help me. Based on the video I was able to learn more about the topic of stress and how amazing our body is. I did not know that our skills become sharpened through the functions in the brain, but based on the video I realized the root cause of how our skills are made to be alerted. I think that this video should be recommended to people of all ages. Seriously those who seem to be very sensitive or vulnerable I feel can experience stress in a different way than we usually do. I believe that this video can help spread more awareness by discovering the triggers of stress, what happens when we are stressed, and the different kinds of stress there are. Everyone should be aware of what stress is besides minor symptoms like fatigue and should pay more attention to their body signals. 

Part 4: Rhetorical analysis

Headspace is known as a website or app whose mission is to provide every person access to lifelong mental health support. Headspace helps create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. The genre of this video is to inform the general public but also the specialists in making everyone grow more knowledge on this topic. This genre is effective because it describes really well the physical and mental stress effects on our brain and body. The video uses the rhetorical appeal of logos by using basic facts that are known about stress like for example the systems of the human body and the brain. The purpose of this video is to educate the viewers on our mental health and physical well-being. The occasion of the video is to spread awareness of stress and its effects on the human body. The information that Dr. Yewanda Pearse explained was expressed with effort, was not dull, and was said without consuming much time. Dr. Yewande Pearse is a London-born, Los Angeles-based neuroscientist and science communicator who has dedicated the past fifteen years to understanding the inner workings of the brain. She is an expert in researching the brain and body and has done public speaking before at natural history museums and more. Pearse is a well-known neuroscientist in LA. 

Part 5: Notable Quotable

• “Stress allows us to respond to situations that don’t actually endanger our lives but require extra energy and focus like competitive sports or public speaking.” (0:52) 
• “Unlike acute stress which helps us deal with stresses in the short term, and return balance within the brain and body, chronic stress can become maladaptive or not helpful.” (3:25)
• “The hypothalamus-pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis is the pathway that involves the secretion of another class of hormones such as the primary stress hormone cortisol.” (2:45)