1. Handling Stress
© Lisa Michalek

2. Stress
A physical, social, or mental event or condition that requires us to cope with a given situation.
Stressor: the “thing” that caused the reaction.

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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

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

8. 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