1. Stress and Stress Management
Chapter 4

2. Understanding Stress
Stress affects people in both positive and negative ways. There are many potential causes of stress, but the body responds the same way regardless of the cause.
How you think about a challenge determines whether you will experience positive or negative stress
What is more stressful, an upcoming test that you think will be difficult or one that you think will be easy?

3. Definitions Perception: The act of becoming aware through the senses.
Stressor: Anything that causes stress. People, objects, places, and events can all be causes of stress.
Psychosomatic Response: A physical reaction that results from stress rather than from an injury or illness.

4. What is Stress Stress is a natural part of life.
Stress is the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands
What are some examples of stress you might face in your life as a teenager?

5. Reacting to Stress
Stress can have both a positive and a negative effect
Positive Stress can motivate you. Ex. this type of stress can motivate you to work harder if you have a deadline coming up
Negative Stress however can interfere with your ability to perform.
It might cause you to feel distracted, overwhelmed, impatient, frustrated, or even angry.

6. Body’s Response to Stress
When you perceive something to be dangerous, difficult, or painful, your body automatically begins a stress response.
The physical response of your body is largely involuntary, or automatic.

7. 3 Stages of Stress Response
Alarm: Mind goes into high alert. Body goes into “Fight or Flight response”. Prepares to fight or run.
Hormones are being released during this stage
Adrenaline
Resistance: If a stressor continues your body adapts and reacts to the stressor. May perform at a higher level with more endurance (adrenaline).
Fatigue: Prolonged exposure to stress causes your body to lose its ability to adapt. You will begin to tire and lose the ability to manage other stressors.

8. 5 Major Stressor for Teens
Life Situations
Environmental
Biological
Cognitive (Thinking)
Personal Behavior
What are some examples for each of the 5 categories?

9. Life Situations School demands Problems with friends or bullies
Peer Pressure
Family Problems
Moving or changing Schools
Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend

10. Environmental Unsafe neighborhood
Media (T.V., magazines, internet, etc.
Natural disasters
Threat of terrorist
War
Global Warming

11. Biological
Changes in your body
Illness
Sickness
Disability

12. Cognitive (Thinking) Poor self-esteem Personal appearance
Not fitting in

13. Personal Behavior Taking on a busy schedule Relationship issues
Smoking
Using alcohol or other drugs

14. Effects of Prolonged Stress
Headache
Weakened immune system (easier to get sick).
High blood pressure
Clenching of the jaw and teeth
Digestive disorders
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Mood Swings

15. Managing Stress What methods do you use to manage your stress?
You can manage stress levels by learning skills to reduce the amount and impact of stress in your life.

16. Definitions
Chronic Stress: Stress associated with long-term problems that are beyond a person’s control. Can be a constant burden that lasts for months.
Relaxation Response: Techniques when stress arises that put you in a calm state of mind.

17. Stress Management Techniques
Avoiding situations that cause stress is the easiest way. If you can’t avoid the situation you can.
Use Refusal Skills: Make sure you have the time for a new activity before agreeing to take it on.
Plan Ahead: TIME MANAGEMENT. Don’t procrastinate, use a planner, keep a log.
Think Positively: Try to find a positive outlook in stressful situations.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
You can develop strategies to both avoid and reduce your stress levels.
Stress management skills help you manage stressors in a healthful, effective way.

18. Handling Stress Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep Breathing
Thinking pleasant thoughts
Stretching
Taking a warm Bath
Getting a massage
Laughing

19. Handling Stress Redirect your energy Creative projects Exercise Music
Drawing
Writing

20. Staying Healthy and Minimizing Stress
Get Adequate Rest: Proper sleep can give you the energy to help you face the challenges and demands of the next day.
Physical Activity: Physical activity can release built up energy and clear your mind.
Eat Nutritious Foods: Eating properly reduces stress in the body.