Stress

Journal 1. What stresses you out? (List 3-4.) 2.How do you deal with stress? (List 3-4 things you do when you get stressed.) 3. What core emotions do you feel when you are stressed? (Look at your notes if you have forgotten the core emotions.)

The teen years are a time of many changes. Because of such changes, many teens experience stress. Positive stress, called eustress, is an exciting feeling and can make life pleasurable. Negative stress, called distress, must be managed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Page 17

What causes stress? Anything that causes stress is a stressor. Stressors range from everyday annoyances to serious problems. Page 17

Stress Management One of the basic ways to manage stress is to follow a healthy lifestyle. More specifically, you can manage stress by using stress management skills: -Knowing how and when to relax. -Keeping a positive outlook. -Being physically active. -Managing your time. Page 18

Relaxation reduces stress by slowing your heart rate and making you feel less tense. Here are some ways to relax and cope with stress: 1.Relax your muscles. 2.Slow your breathing. 3.Get enough sleep. Page 18

Stress can make you feel depressed, anxious, or afraid. Remind yourself to look at the big picture and keep things in perspective. -Think positively. -Keep your sense of humor. -Have some fun. Page 19

Being physically active is one of the healthiest ways to manage stress. Improved heart function: Your heart rate and blood pressure stay steady. Better mood: Your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happier. Improved Appearance: When you look better, you feel better. Increased Oxygen Supply: You can think more clearly. Page 19

Time Management Learning time management skills can help you reduce stress and get more done. Managing your time involves figuring out which activities are most important to you. Page 19

Spill It In your journal spill your brain… anything that’s going on in your life…anything you are thinking about…spill it on the page… Punctuation, spelling…who cares! Just spill it!

The body’s response to stress is called the flight or fight response. Adrenaline is released to give the body extra energy. There is a limit to how much stress a body can handle. Too much stress can cause headaches, digestive problems, high blood pressure, fatigue, and a lower resistance to infection. Page 17-18

Relaxation Activity Guided Imagery

Journal 1. Did you relax? Why/why not? What would have made it more relaxing? (Giant pillows…better music…) 2. Why is it hard for some people to take a “time-out” and relax for a few moments? 3. Typically, students in first period and 8th period are the most relaxed. Why? 4. Typically, students who are in 5th period have the most difficult time relaxing. Why?

**Challenge: 1.Relax minutes before you go to bed….Do you fall asleep faster? 2.Work on a second letter of STRONG.