1. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Stress Management
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

2. What is stress?
The term “stress” is short for distress, a word evolved from Latin that means “to draw or pull apart”
How your body reacts to situations
It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

3. The events that provoke stress are called stressors.

4. Stress Response – What is going on in your body?
The hypothalamus releases a hormone called adrenaline in your body
Adrenaline causes:
Increase in heart rate
Increased breathing
More blood sent to your brain and muscles
Pupils dilate
Sweat is produced to cool the body
Liver releases stored glucose to increase body energy

5. Stress Response – What is going on in your brain?
Another hormone released when you are stressed is cortisol.
Cortisol increases blood supply to the heart and the brain
If the stress persists (chronic stress) too much cortisol is poisonous to your brain and it damages a part of your brain called the hippocampus which can prevent your brain from making new memories or from accessing existing memories

6. Stress – the Good
Being able to respond to stress is healthy and necessary.
The stress response releases noradrenalin in your brain.
Noradrenalin is needed to create new memories, it also improves mood and allows you to look at a problem as a challenge which encourages you to think creatively and this stimulates your brain to make new connections which is learning!
Stress management is the key – not stress elimination!

7. Eustress
Eustress
Hyperstress
Hypostress
Distress

8. Stressors- Sources of Stress
Problems with peers
Family issues or problems with parents
School-related problems or pressures
Personal thoughts, feelings or behaviours

9. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Known as PTSD
Very strong stress reaction that can develop in people who have lived through an extremely traumatic event.
serious accident
natural disaster like an earthquake
assault like rape

10. Symptoms of Stress – the bad
Headaches
Stomach aches
Constipation
Diarrhea
Weight loss or gain
Cold hands or feet
Insomnia
Excessive sleeping
Mood changes
Nightmares
Panic attacks
Irritability
Grinding teeth
Lateness
Procrastination
Getting sick

12. Stress – The Ugly Chronic stress can lead to: Difficulty concentrating
Ulcers
Heart palpitation
Memory disturbances
Anxiety
Depression
Lowered immune system

13. Gender Differences
Males often respond with a “Fight-or-Flight” response
Aggressive behaviour or withdrawing/leaving
Females more often respond with a “Tend-and-Befriend” response
Seeking social contact and support

14. What should you do about it?
Ask for help — you don’t have to face everything on your own.
Goal setting and time management
Positive attitude
Exercise regularly-yoga
Meditation
Mindfulness

15. What should you do about it?
Focusing on breathing, deep slow breaths
Massage
Eat three healthy, balanced meals a day
Get plenty of sleep
Break tasks down into small steps so they are less overwhelming

16. Tips for Staying on Top of Stress
• Think positively and don’t dwell on things that get you down.
• Focus on your achievements.
• Tackle one task at a time. Don’t attempt too much at once.
• Prioritize assignments in order of importance or urgency.
• Keep a reasonable schedule and don’t try to do too much.

17. Tips for Staying on Top of Stress
• Plan ahead and set up a reasonable timetable. Add time for breaks and rests in between tasks.
• Try not to worry about things you can’t control, or that might not even happen.
• Forgive yourself and others. Guilt and grudges increase stress.
• Make time for the things you enjoy.

18. And Remember... • Stress is normal.
• Do the best you can and try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone is unique and has something special to share.
• Surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good.
• Life is always changing and full of ups and downs. What is stressful today may not be important tomorrow.