2. What is Stress?  Stress is the body’s response to change. It is a normal reaction to certain situations or events in your life.

3. Stress Not all Stress is bad: Positive Stress It can motivate you to do your best. It can get you ready for a big game. It can make you more alert and improve your concentration.

4. Causes of Stress: Anything that causes stress is called a Stressor. Common Stressors:

5. How the body responds to Stress Fight –or– Flight Response: The process by which the body prepares to deal with a stressor. * Fighting or fleeing is the body’s natural response to threats or harm. * Adrenaline is released. Adrenaline is a hormone that gives the body extra energy.

6. How the body responds to Stress

7. Excess Stress will affect:  Physical Health  Headaches  Digestive problems  High blood pressure  Mental and Emotional Health  Make you feel anxious  Make you feel moody  It can interfere with your schoolwork  Social Health  Some will yell at those around them  Other will withdraw, or back off, from social contacts.

8. Skills for stress management:  Relaxation  Helps to slow down your heart rate.  Laughter  Laughter redirects negative energy  Physical Activity  When you are active, your brain releases chemicals that positively affect your mood.  Time Management  Strategies for using time efficiently

9. Coping With Loss:  Loss  An unavoidable part of life  Team loses a game  Losing an object that is important to you  Losing someone who is close to you Grief:  The sorrow caused by the loss of a loved one

10. Coping With Loss: Grief reaction:  The process of dealing with strong feelings following any loss.  Usually occurs in stages: 1. Shock  People feel numb  The full emotional impact has not yet set in. 2. Anger  Anger towards family members / friends. 3. Yearning  You begin to appreciate the scope or size if the loss  You feel like you have a ‘big emotional hole’ 4. Depression  The reality of the loss sets in.  You begin to acknowledge that the loss is permanent. 5. Acceptance  You feel ready to move on with your life

11. Coping With Grief: Coping Strategies:  Ways of dealing with the sense of loss people feel at the death of someone.  Confronting your feelings head on  Talk about your feelings with others Helping others who are grieving:  Let the person decide how you can be a source of comfort  Respect the person’s feelings  Allow the person to decide how much time they need to recover.