STRESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

STRESSStress – is the disruption of homeostasis (balance) through physical or psychological stimuli.

STRESS Physical Stressors - is one that has a

direct effect on the body. (Heat, cold, bright light, car accident, hunger)

Psychological/Mental Stressors - is one in which only information reaches the brain with no direct physical impact on the body. (Scary situation, loud sound, a test)

STRESS Acute stress is the most common

and most recognizable form of stress, the kind of sudden jolt in which you know exactly why you’re stressed.

STRESS Examples of Acute Stressors

Boyfriends/GirlfriendsSchoolwork – Tests, Quizzes, etc.ClothesPopularityPhysical threats

STRESS Chronic Stress - is stress that

wears you down day after day and year after year, with no visible escape.

STRESS Common causes of chronic stress

include: Poverty and financial worries Long-term unemployment Dysfunctional family relationships Caring for a chronically ill family member Feeling trapped in unhealthy relationships

or career choices Living in an area besieged by war or

violence Bullying or harassment Perfectionism

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT US

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMSHOW STRESS CAN MAKE YOU FEEL1. Moody and hypersensitive2. Depression3. Anger and resentment4. Apathy5. Lack of confidence6. Restlessness and anxiety

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT US

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMSHOW STRESS CAN AFFECT YOUR BODY1. Headaches2. Sleep disturbances3. Muscle tension and pain4. Fatigue5. Weight gain or loss6. High blood pressure7. Chest pain, irregular heartbeat

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT US

INTELLECTUAL SYMPTOMSHOW STRESS CAN AFFECT YOUR MIND1. Memory problems2. Difficulty making decisions3. Inability to concentrate4. Seeing only the negative5. Poor judgment6. Desire to escape or run away

HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT US

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMSHOW STRESS CAN AFFECT YOUR

BEHAVIOR1. Eating more or less2. Sleeping too much or too little3. Isolating yourself from others4. Neglecting your responsibilities5. Increasing alcohol and drug abuse6. Nervous habits7. Losing your temper

COPING DEVICES STRESS RESPONSE

The stress response of the body is meant to protect and support us. When faced with a threat, whether it be to our physical safety or emotional equilibrium, the body's defenses kick into high gear in a process known as the "fight or flight” response

COPING DEVICES

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Relaxation exercises help reduce anxiety and stress. First, you cause tension in certain muscle groups and then you totally relax them.

Yoga - allows you to build up a natural response to stress and bring the relaxed state more into your daily life.

Tai Chi - focuses on the breath and the mind’s attention in the present moment.

Meditation - Quiet the mind and engage in exercises that help you focus on your breathing, an object, or your body sensations. The goal is to relax the mind, body and spirit.

COPING DEVICES

STRESS TESTList