Handling Stress

Stress  A physical, social, or mental event or condition that requires us to cope with a given situation.

Eustress vs Distress  Eustress – positive stress that allows for personal growth and satisfaction  Getting married  Starting school  Beginning a job  Making new friends  Learning a new skill

Eustress vs Distress  Distress – negative stress that is caused by events that cause stress and strain  Financial problems  Death of a loved one  Academic difficulties  Breakup of a relationship

Response to Stress  Fight-or-Flight  when our bodies go on the alert to either fight or escape  A sudden burst of energy and strength  The heart speeds up, breathing increases, blood pressure elevates, sugar is released into the blood.

Stress and Your Health  Greater risk for heart disease  Can decrease immunity to disease  Can cause negative mental reactions

Stress Reducers  Assess stressors  Change reactions to stress  Learn to cope  Exercise  Relax  Eat Healthy  Manage time  Reduce stresses

Other Techniques  Hypnosis – focus on one thought, object, or voice  Massage Therapy  Meditation – focus on deep breathing  Biofeedback – monitoring of physical responses to stress  Support Groups