One theory that especially rang true for them: Hans Selye’s general adaptation syndrome. Our bodies do a pretty good job of fighting stress, resisting the many ill effects, but if the stress is chronic, the body becomes exhausted, especially after the stress eases. And this is when we become sick. One can almost predict the illness and perhaps take preventative steps before any actual symptoms appear.
On Thursday, during the last period of school, thick snowflakes began to flurry down with a delicacy that seemed dreamlike. I couldn’t compete, so I made a deal: let me finish this little lesson…and then this little worksheet…and then…we could step outside for a few seconds. Several students were beyond excited, and when we got out there, they were spinning with arms out and baring their faces to the sky. I guess glee might be a good word to describe those expressions.