STRESS Handling Stressful Situations

Life = Stress Tom is studying for an important history test Tom is studying for an important history test Kerrie is warming up for the big game tonight Kerrie is warming up for the big game tonight Cindy recently moved to a new school Cindy recently moved to a new school Jon is checking in the mirror one more time before he picks up Stephanie for their first date Jon is checking in the mirror one more time before he picks up Stephanie for their first date

What is Stress? Stress is a physical, mental or emotional tension you feel when dealing with change. Stress is a physical, mental or emotional tension you feel when dealing with change. A non-specific response of the body to any demand make on it. A non-specific response of the body to any demand make on it.

STRESS Stress will always be a factor in your life. Stress will always be a factor in your life. Some periods of life will have little stress Some periods of life will have little stress Other times of your life will have lots of stress Other times of your life will have lots of stress

STRESS:TWO TYPES Distress-Bad Stress Distress-Bad Stress Death Death Getting Fired Getting Fired Divorce Divorce Eustress-Good Stress Eustress-Good Stress Weddings Weddings Awards Awards

The same situation can cause a great amount of stress for one person, but not for someone else. Activity : TAKE SIDES Activity : TAKE SIDES Right side/back of room is the positive side Right side/back of room is the positive side Left side/front of the room is the negative side Left side/front of the room is the negative side In the middle of the room is neutral In the middle of the room is neutral Move to the side that best reflects your feelings in the following situations - STAND UP

Getting your report card Getting your report card Positive, Negative or No Stress

Taking a roller coaster ride Taking a roller coaster ride Positive, Negative or No Stress

Eating Spinach Eating Spinach

Positive, Negative or No Stress Holding a snake Holding a snake

Positive, Negative or No Stress Going to math class Going to math class

Positive, Negative or No Stress Going on a first date Going on a first date

Positive, Negative or No Stress Watching a scary movie Watching a scary movieBOOBOO

Positive, Negative or No Stress Giving a speech to the class Giving a speech to the class

Positive, Negative or No Stress Going to a dance Going to a dance

PLEASE SIT DOWN Did you notice that your reactions were different than others to the same situation? Did you notice that your reactions were different than others to the same situation?

EFFECTS OF STRESS Stress is a natural part of everyone’s life. Stress has both positive and negative effects. Stress is a natural part of everyone’s life. Stress has both positive and negative effects. People need some stress in their lives to be productive. People need some stress in their lives to be productive. However, too much stress can be unhealthy. However, too much stress can be unhealthy.

Positive Stress Stress keeps you alert. Stress keeps you alert. Some stress when crossing a street helps you avoid danger. Some stress when crossing a street helps you avoid danger. Stress motivates you to take action and to work harder. Stress motivates you to take action and to work harder. Stress helps in competitions to do well. Stress helps in competitions to do well.

Negative Effects Too much stress for a long time can be bad for you. It can affect your body, feelings and actions. Too much stress for a long time can be bad for you. It can affect your body, feelings and actions. When under stress, your body releases adrenaline into your bloodstream. This chemical increases your heart rate, causes your muscles to tense up and makes you perspire. These symptoms may last for only a few minutes. If the stressful situation continues, however, the symptoms may also continue,. When under stress, your body releases adrenaline into your bloodstream. This chemical increases your heart rate, causes your muscles to tense up and makes you perspire. These symptoms may last for only a few minutes. If the stressful situation continues, however, the symptoms may also continue,.

STRESS REACTIONS Physical Reactions Physical Reactions Headaches Headaches Stomach cramps Stomach cramps Backaches Backaches Hives Hives Tense Muscles Tense Muscles Fatigue Fatigue Shortness of breath Shortness of breath

STRESS REACTIONS Emotional Reactions Emotional Reactions Worry Worry Helplessness Helplessness Sadness Sadness Anger Anger Depression Depression Irritability Irritability

STRESS REACTIONS Behavior Reactions Behavior Reactions Increased criticisms toward others Increased criticisms toward others Physical & verbal attacks of others Physical & verbal attacks of others Injury to self Injury to self Inability to eat Inability to eat Frequent eating Frequent eating Nail biting Nail biting

STRESS REACTIONS Behavior Reactions continued Behavior Reactions continued Withdrawal from others Withdrawal from others Inability to sleep Inability to sleep Excessive sleeping Excessive sleeping Fidgeting and stammering Fidgeting and stammering

Causes of Stress Daily activities Daily activities Unexpected events Unexpected events Moving Moving Financial Problems Financial Problems Family problems Family problems

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS Some people react to stress in drastic ways. Instead of dealing with the problem causing the stress, they try to escape the problem. Some people react to stress in drastic ways. Instead of dealing with the problem causing the stress, they try to escape the problem. They may turn to alcohol and other drugs. They may run away or attempt suicide. They may turn to alcohol and other drugs. They may run away or attempt suicide. Instead of trying to escape, look for a positive solution to the problems. Instead of trying to escape, look for a positive solution to the problems.

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS You can avoid some stressful situation. Suppose a friend is pressuring you to do something you do not want to do. Your best defense is to stay away from that person. You can avoid some stressful situation. Suppose a friend is pressuring you to do something you do not want to do. Your best defense is to stay away from that person. Not all stressful situations can, or should be avoided. Learning to cope with some stress helps you to grow as a person. Not all stressful situations can, or should be avoided. Learning to cope with some stress helps you to grow as a person.

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS Strategies Strategies Eat right Eat right Get enough sleep Get enough sleep Exercise Exercise Find humor in situations Find humor in situations Take deep breaths Take deep breaths Do not try to be a “SUPER TEEN” Do not try to be a “SUPER TEEN” sometimes you need to say no.

STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS Strategies Strategies Get organized Get organized Deal with the stressor Deal with the stressor Keep a positive attitude Keep a positive attitude Develop a strong network of friends Develop a strong network of friends Get help if needed Get help if needed

STRESS Make stress your friend, by taking control of your life. Make stress your friend, by taking control of your life.