1. Chapter Ten Handling Stress

2. What is Stress? A nonspecific response of the body to any demand upon it. The body will react in a similar manner whether the stress is good (positive) or bad (negative).

3. What Causes Stress? Stressors cause stress. Positive stress is eustress. Negative stress is distress. Response to stress varies from individual to individual.

4. Types of Stressors ä Psychological - love, fear, anxiety ä Environment - excessive heat, cold, noise, overcrowding ä Social - personal relationships, family problems, loneliness, discrimination ä Physiological - illness, injuries, fatigue, drugs, foods such as caffeine, salt, sugar and alcohol

5. Body’s Reaction to Stress ä Increase in heart rate and respiration rate ä Increase in blood pressure ä Elevation in blood sugar level ä Increase in muscular tension ä Increase in perspiration ä Sharpening of senses ä Digestion slows down Level 1 - The Alarm Stage - Body prepares for “fight or flight”

6. Body’s Reaction to Stress ä Heart rate and respiration rate decrease ä Hormones secreted which give the body the energy to cope with the stressor ä If intense or long-term stress exhausts the amount of energy available and the problem persists, the body enters the third stage of stress. Level 2 - The Resistance Stage - Body attempts to adjust to the stressor and return to normal

7. Body’s Reaction to Stress ä If stress continues long enough, and your body cannot cope with it, you may suffer short term or long term effects of stress. Level 3 - The Exhaustion Stage - potential for disease

8. Effects of Stress Short Term Stress: headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue Long Term Stress: severe headaches, depression, fatigue, weight control problems, may affect the heart, blood pressure, stomach, muscles, and joints

9. Preventing & Coping with Stress ä ä Keep things in perspective ä ä Practice assertive behavior ä ä Establish challenging and attainable goals ä ä Learn time management ä ä Limit certain foods ä ä Share your stress

10. Coping with Stress ä ä Learn stress diversion activities ä ä Use exercise to reduce stress ä ä Meditation ä ä Deep breathing ä ä Imagery ä ä Progressive muscle relaxation

11. Avoiding Negative Coping Strategies ä Too much alcohol ä Too much television ä Dependence on chemicals or drugs ä Tobacco use ä Withdrawal or avoidance ä Excessive gambling ä Overspending

12. Handling Stress ä Controlling your anger ä Dealing with peer pressure ä Make good choices Handling stress also involves:

13. Handling Stress You experience stress everyday. The key is to learn to handle or cope with the stressors in your life to avoid negative affects on your health. Return to Chapter Menu