1. Stress Sucks!! Learn how to cope with it!!

2. KEY STRESS TERMS
Stress is the reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands.
Stressor is anything that causes stress.
Stress Response is your bodys reaction to a stressor
Chronic Stress is stress associated with long term problems beyond control

3. Categories of Stressors
Biological Stressor, such as illness, or injuries
Environmental stressor, such as poverty noise and pollution
Cognitive, or thinking stressor, the way you handle a situation
Personal behavior stressor, such as negative reactions caused by tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs or by lack of physical activity
Life situation stressor, such as death, divorce, and situations with peers

4. Distress (discomfort)
DiStress is a harmful response to a stressor that produces negative events
* Failing a test or class
* Fighting with friend or family member
* Dealing with divorce
* Being late

5. EUstress (excited or motivated)
A healthful response to a stressor that produces a positive result
Performing in a competition (play/sports/dance)
Taking a test
Giving a presentation
Moving into a new home

6. Fight or Flight
Your body’s response to a stressful situation is automatic
Pupils dilate
Hearing improves
Heart rate increases
Muscles tighten
Sweating increases
Adrenaline is released

7. Alarm Response

8. The Body's Stress Response
Alarm
Resistance
Fatigue
Alarm is the first stage in the stress response. This is when the body and mind go on high alert. (Flight or Fight Response)
During this stage, your body adapts to the rush created by alarm and reacts to the stressor. This is the stage in which you to “fight” or take “flight.”
The Third stage of the stress response, a tired feeling takes over that lowers your level of activity. Both the mind and the body become exhausted.

9. If stress continues your body becomes extremely tired or fatigued
Physical Fatigue – The muscles work hard for long periods of times, often causing soreness and pain.
Physiological Fatigue – Results from constant worry, overworked, depression, boredom, isolation, or feeling overwhelmed.
Pathological Fatigue – Brought on by over working the body’s defense and fighting disease. Anemia, flu, over weight, and poor nutrition are a few examples. Drugs and alcohol can increase the feeling of fatigue
If stress continues your body becomes extremely tired or fatigued

10. Controlling Chronic Stress
Effects of Stress
Mental/Emotional
Physical
Difficulty Concentrating
Mood Swings
Risk to Substance (Drug) Abuse
Headache
Asthma
Fatigue
High Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular Problems
Weakened Immune System
Controlling Chronic Stress
Engage in physical activity
Look for support among friends and family
Find a hobby or activity to relax
Avoid using drugs
Long-term stress increases blood pressure and cholesterol-inducing chronic hypertension
Lack of Enjoyment in Life

11. Personal Causes of Stress
Situations involving anxiety, frustration or tension
will trigger a stress response
Life events – Getting drivers license, graduation, birth, illness, divorce.
Physical stressors – pollution, noise, injury, lack of sleep, drug use
Daily hassles – time pressures, responsibilities, conflicts.

12. Managing Stress Keep a sense of humor Plan ahead Get enough sleep
Participate in regular physical activity
Eat healthy regular meals
Limit comfort foods (sweets) & Caffeine
Avoid drugs
Talk with family & friends
Perform Relaxation Techniques

13. Signs of Time Management Problems
Always rushing
Constantly miss deadlines
Have trouble finding things
Are overwhelmed by demands and details
Try to do several tasks at once
Can’t decide what to do next

14. AH! STRESS
YOU CAN’T AVOID IT,
BUT
YOU CAN HANDLE IT!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!