1. S T R E S S

2. What is Stress? Chronic stress: never ending Acute stress: short term Stressor: anything that requires you to cope with a situation Perception: meaning given to an event or occurrence based on a person’s previous experience or understanding

4. Types of Stress Eustress: positive stress Distress: negative stress

6. Positive Ways to Deal with Stress Keep things in perspective Practice assertive behavior Establish goals Learn time management Limit certain foods Share your stress Learn stress diversion activities Use exercise to reduce stress Try relaxation techniques Attitude control

7. Stages of the Stress Response Stage One: ALARM The body enters the alarm stage when it is first introduced to the stressor. The sympathetic nervous system is activated during this stage to help the body meet the demands of the stressor. Stage Two: RESISTANCE A person enters the resistance stage when he/she manages their stress in a healthy, productive way. The parasympathetic nervous system is activated to help bring the body back to homeostasis (normal functioning levels). Stage Three: EXHAUSTION A person enters the exhaustion stage when he/she does not manage their stress very well and/or is under a lot of stress for an extended amount of time. During this stage, the body physiologically stays somewhat in the alarm stage…and therefore can eventually cause major health problems. Such health problems can range anywhere from decreasing your immunity so you catch a cold to having a massive heart attack! Think back …have you ever gotten sick when you were under a lot of stress?

8. Fight or Flight When someone is faced with a physical threat two actions may occur: fight or run away (flight) Heart rate speeds up Pupils widen Muscles tense Fuels such as fat released from storage blood flow to skin reduced Blood flow to digestive organs reduced Immune system temporarily shuts down

10. Stressors of High School? Stressors of Your Parents?

12. Stress-related Benefits of Exercise Muscle relaxation Improved digestion Better self-image/self-esteem Increased physical endurance Increased muscular strength Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure More blood pumped per heart beat Better ability to breathe Increased energy to combat fatigue