1. Coping with Stress
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
-William James

2. Sonya is showing signs of STRESS.
Sonya’s Situation
Sonya has to give an oral report in class. Her mouth feels dry, and her hands are sweaty. Her stomach feels like butterflies are fluttering around inside it and her heart is racing.
Sonya is showing signs of STRESS.

3. Stress Stress is your body’s response to changes around you.
Stress is normal. Everyone experiences it!
But, stress that last a long time can harm your physical, mental/emotional, and social health.

4. Stressful Events
Name some stressful events?

5. Big v. Small Causes of Stress
Stress can result from small events like waking up late or big events like moving to a new school.
Often times people respond to stress with feelings of anxiety.
Anxiety is feelings of uncertainty or worry over what might happen.

6. Stress and the Body

7. Your Body’s Response to Stress
Your body responds to stress in the following ways:
Your body releases the hormone adrenaline.
Your muscles tighten.
Your breathing speeds up.
Your heart rate increases.
Your stomach activities slow down.

8. Positive & Negative Stress
Distress: A harmful response to a stressor
Examples?
Eustress: A healthful response to a stressor

9. “How do I deal with Stress?”
While you can’t always avoid stress, there are strategies that can help you manage your stress.
To promote your total health it is essential that you have a Stress Management Plan.

10. Stress Management Strategies
Step 1: Identify the Source: What is causing you stress?
Step 2: Talk to Someone: Talking to a trusted individual helps reduce stress.
Step 3: Set your Priorities: What is most important?
Step 4: Redirect your Energy: Use your energy for something positive.
Put it into Action!

11. What should Alex do?
Alex is on the soccer team. The championship game is coming up, so he’s been at practice every night this week. He also has a big test to study for and a major project due. Lately Alex has been having trouble sleeping. He’s been lying awake thinking about all the things he has to do.
Develop a Stress Management Strategy for Alex.