Stress Management Skills Dr. Sonia Tinsley Northeastern State University College of Education

What is Stress? Stress Mental and physical response of our body to changes and challenges in your lives. Stressor Factors or events, real or imagined, that elicit a state of stress Eustress Stress that enhances quality of life Distress Stress that diminishes quality of life

Stress Response Physiological and psychological response to positive or negative events that are disruptive, unexpected, or stimulating. Learned and conditioned habits adopted early in life. Basic human survival mechanism.

The Body’s Response to Stress General adaptation syndrome Alarm phase – person becomes aware of stressor. Resistance phase – person attempts to respond to stressor. Exhaustion phase – the physical and psychological resources used to deal with stress are depleted.

Physical Toll of Stress Hypertension Stroke Heart disease Kidney disorders Alcoholism Gastrointestinal problems Autoimmune disorders Depression

Sources of Stress Change Hassles Pressure Inconsistent goals and behaviors Conflict Overload Burnout Technology

Occupational Stress Pertains to sources of stress at work Involves individual characteristics Related to the employee’s role within the organization

Do You Have Occupational Stress?

Why is Occupational Stress of Concern? Cost to businesses is billions of dollars per year Leads to increased sick days, drug or alcohol abuse, and early death Can promote high turnover rates of employees Technological advances keep employees tethered to work

Disease and Occupational Stress Disease States Coronary artery disease Obesity Hypertension Elevated cholesterol Peptic ulcers

Occupational Stress and Disease (cont.) Psychological effects Low self-esteem Increased job tension Low job satisfaction

Student Stressors: Academic Test anxiety Speech anxiety Math anxiety

Student Stressors: Internal Procrastination Perfectionism Problems with goal setting Time management

Your Portable Guide to Stress Relief 1.Frequently late? 2.Often angry or irritated? 3.Unsure of your ability to do something? 4.Overextended? 5.Not enough time for stress relief?

Your Portable Guide to Stress Relief (cont.) 6. Feeling unbearably tense? 7. Frequently feel pessimistic? 8. Upset by conflicts with others? 9. Worn-out or burned-out? 10. Feeling lonely?