The mental, emotional and physiological response of the body to any situation that is new, threatening, frightening or exciting.

What Is Stress?  The nonspecific response of the human organism to any demand made upon it (Selye, 1984)  Stressors --factors causing stress, resulting in: Eustress (positive) - happy, pleasant events; health and performance improve even as stress increases Eustress (positive) - happy, pleasant events; health and performance improve even as stress increases Distress (negative) - unpleasant and harmful stress; health and performance decline Distress (negative) - unpleasant and harmful stress; health and performance decline  Optimal stress : a blend of the two that creates a motivational and healthy outcome

Fight or Flight Physiological response of the body to stress that prepares the individual to take action by stimulating the vital defense systems.

General Adaptation Syndrome (Selye, 1984) 1. Alarm stage – fight or flight response 2. Resistance stage – maintain homeostasis 3. Exhaustion stage – illness, disease, or even death can occur

Harmful Effects of Stress  The following can be developed by stress:  Hypertension  Stroke  Cardiovascular disease  Ulcers  Migraine headaches  Tension headaches  Cancer  Allergies  Asthma  Hay fever  Rheumatoid arthritis  Backache

Type A Behavior  Type A - competitive, ambitious, driven, impatient, workaholic, and always rushed  The key problem with Type A persons is stress  Their bodies react by producing extra amounts of stress hormones.  Health risks are associated with this type of personality.

Type B Behavior  The opposite of a Type A personality  Described as relaxed, casual, unaggressive, and patient  Tend to deal with stress more effectively

The Hot Reactor  People that are at risk of heart attacks or strokes due to the combination of anger and stress  Stress produces: Catecholamines - hormones that damage and disrupt the electrical rhythm of the heart Catecholamines - hormones that damage and disrupt the electrical rhythm of the heart Abnormally high blood pressure Abnormally high blood pressure Dangerous heart muscle lesions Dangerous heart muscle lesions These people perceive every stressor as a “life or death” issue. These people perceive every stressor as a “life or death” issue.

The “Hardy” Personality (Kobasa, 1982)  Stress-resistant individuals  Possess strong immune systems  A Type A person who has the following traits = Type C personality. Control Control Commitment Commitment Challenge Challenge Choices in lifestyle Choices in lifestyle Connectedness Connectedness

Next is a picture of two dolphins. Take a second, take a deep breath... If you can see both dolphins, your stress level is within the acceptable range. If you see anything other than two dolphins, your stress level is too high and you need a break - take the rest of today off of work.

Stress Management Strategies 1. Exercise 2. Relaxation techniques 3. Lifestyle change 4. Reframing

EXERCISE  Allows the body to play out fight-or-flight response, use tense muscles, and reduce adrenaline levels  Increases the release of endorphins:  Increases the release of endorphins: morphine like substances released from the pituitary gland during prolonged aerobic exercise. Thought to produce a relaxed state. morphine like substances released from the pituitary gland during prolonged aerobic exercise. Thought to produce a relaxed state.

LIFESTYLE CHANGE  Eat a nutritious diet.  Learn how to manage time.  Limit alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes.  Get plenty of restful sleep.  Develop satisfying relationships.  Learn when to seek the help and support of others.  Balance work and play.

REFRAMING  Look at life in a positive light.  Diffuse anger and negativism.  Learn to be an optimist.  Laughter is the perfect medicine.

The five essential elements of well-being are: » Purpose: Liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals » Social: Having supportive relationships and love in your life » Financial: Managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security

» Community: Liking where you live, feeling safe and having pride in your community » Physical: Having good health and enough energy to get things done daily

It’s not stress that kills, but how we handle it that kills.