1. Personal Well-Being
C ALM 20

2. Stress
The body’s physical, mental and emotional reaction to any threat, pressure or demand. Stress is positive when it helps one to peak performance, followed by a period of relaxation or down time. Stress is negative when the physical/emotional reaction continues without sufficient down time.
Positive Stress
Negative Stress

3. Fight and Flight Syndrome
In prehistoric times, when man was confronted by a dangerous animal, he would instinctively receive a rush of adrenalin. The adrenalin would put all of his body’s resources into his muscles, thus enabling him to fight harder or run faster that usual. In today’s society we are confronted with stressful situations that cause the same adrenaline rush. Unfortunately, the blood moves from our brain and digestive system to our muscles. This causes headaches and stomach problems.

4. Stress Warning Signals
Physical Signs:
Tense muscles or back pain
Sleeping too little or too much
Sudden bursts of energy
Headaches
Eating too little or too much
Nausea or upset stomach
Extremely tired
Heart racing or pounding
Cold and sweaty hands

5. Stress Warning Signals
Intellectual Signs
Forgetfulness
Difficulty making decisions
Difficulty concentrating
Daydreaming and/or bad dreams
Constant worry
Loss of sense of humour

6. Stress Warning Signals
Emotional Signs
Crying for no reason
Feeling bad about oneself
Feeling nervous or anxious
Feeling trapped
Feeling hopeless or depressed
Inability to get things done

7. Stress Warning Signals
Social Signs
Not wanting to be around people
Outbursts of temper
Edginess- ready to explode
Feeling of inferiority
Grouchy, irritable, even mean
Loss of interest in others
Lost interest in appearance
Feeling lonely

8. Stress Warning Signals
Spiritual Signs
Feeling empty
Loss of direction
Unforgiving attitude
Loss of faith
Bitterness
Resentment

9. Relax your stress away
Your shoulders are tense, your back hurts. You feel grouchy and know it’s all due to stress. What can you do?
Relaxation Techniques
Deep Breathing
Yoga
Exercise- all physical activity reduces stress
Take a bath
Get a massage
Eat well- reduce caffeine and alcohol intake