1. Pink Essentials Stress Management “It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” - Hans Selye May 6, 2008 By: Angie Groves, MS, RD, LD, CNSD

2. What is stress? Stress is a physical and emotional reaction based on changes in life. Positive effect: allows us to deal with daily problems and meet the challenges. Negative effect: when stress is continuous- can lead to depression, heart disease, and other health conditions.

3. Symptoms and Causes Stressor Situation that causes stress Important to identify what causes stress in order to control it. Symptoms include headaches, tense muscles, shaking hands, fatigue, insomnia, heartburn, nervousness, fear, confusion, worry, irritability, hostility, inability to concentrate.

4. Types of Stressors Accidental hassles- temporary Examples: losing keys, flat tire, getting a ticket, etc. Major life changes- positive events as well as negative ones Examples: marriage, graduation, birth of baby, death in family, losing a job, or divorce. Ongoing problems- Examples: unhappy marriage, unstable job, accumulating debt

5. Preventing Stress Avoid controllable stressors Plan major lifestyle changes Realize your limitation Prioritize Improve communication Share your thoughts Develop a positive attitude Reward yourself Exercise Eat and sleep well

6. Managing Stress Plan by visualizing expected events Think positively Relax with deep breathing Relax by meditation Relax your muscles Relax with stretching and exercising Relax with massage therapy Ask for help