2. Today’s Agenda Define stress Fight or flight syndrome
Positive / negative stress
Identify stressors
Evaluate personal stress levels
Coping with stress
Ways to prevent stress
Effects of stress on the body

3. What is stress?
Reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands
Rising to a challenge or preparing for an event

4. Stressors Anything that causes stress
Biological stressors- ex: Illness
Environmental- ex: Noise, natural disasters
Cognitive- ex: Way you perceive a situation and how it affects you
Personal- ex: Negative reactions in the body and mind
Life situation- ex: death

5. Body’s Stress Response Fight/Flight Response
Alarm
First stage
Mind and body go on high alert
Prepares the body to defend itself or flee from a fight
Symptoms:
Increased perspiration
Increased heart rate and pulse
Increased blood pressure
Faster breathing rate

6. Second Stage Resistance
Adapts to the rush from the alarm and reacts to the stressor
Fight or flight response

7. Fight or Flight Response
Ability to resist a physical challenge or attack may be enhanced
Flight
Run faster or further than normal to get out of danger
During this phase, your body is able to perform at a higher level of endurance

8. Final Stage
Fatigue
Tired feeling takes over that lowers your level of activity
Ability to manage other stressors is low
Affects the body in several ways:
Physical: muscle soreness, reaction time lowered
Psychological: constant worry, depression, isolation
Pathological: overworking body’s defenses in fighting disease

9. Positive/Negative Stress
Eustress
Healthy stress
Gives one a feeling of fulfillment or other positive feelings
Helps you accomplish a task or reach a goal
Feeling excited, challenged and focused
Playing on a sports team, doing well on a project
Distress
Unhealthy stress
Negative stress that holds you back
Negative effects on the body
Feeling angry, disappointed and frustrated
Arguing with a friend, doing poor in school

10. Effects of Stress on the Body
Physical
Headaches
Asthma
High blood pressure
Weakened immune system
Mental/Emotional and Social
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Risks of substance abuse
Anxiety
Depression

11. Ways to Control Chronic Stress
Physical Activity
Support among friends and family
Hobby or activity that relaxes you
Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

12. Ways to Prevent Stress Plan ahead Sleep Physical Activity Nutrition
Regular meals – no snacking all day
Limit “comfort” foods
Limit caffeine
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

13. Personal Stress
Life events
Physical stressors
Daily Hassles

14. Stress-Management Techniques
Redirect energy
Relax and laugh
Positive outlook
Seek out support
Express yourself

15. Snowball Activity Write down a stressor on a sheet of paper
Roll up the piece of paper and throw at the front of the room when I say “GO”