1. Stress
Can anyone honestly tell me that they do not experience any stress in their lives?
The purpose of this unit is to learn how to identify stress, and how stress effects the body, our health, and our lives.

2. What is Stress?
A nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it.
2 Types:
Eustress = positive stress
Comes from positive events or a positive reaction to a given situation
Distress = negative stress
Comes from bad events or your negative reaction to a given situation
Eu stress: alert, focused, motivated, energized, confident
Distress: nervous, forgetful, frightened, confused, unsure.

3. Whatever causes stress
Stressors
Whatever causes stress
Peer groups
School/work
Family and other relationships
Environment
Stressor: any situation that puts demand on the body and mind.
Ex. Going on a date, taking an exam, giving a speech.

4. Two Types of Stressors Daily Hassles
Small stressors that may occur on a daily basis
Major Life Events
Events that require some adaptation or readjustment to a situation

5. Symptoms of Stress Worry Loss of Appetite Frustration
Depression
Fatigue
Neck Pains
Backache
Loss of Appetite
Dizziness (fight or fight)
Stomach Pains
Ulcers
High Blood Pressure
Headaches
Stressors Activity!

6. Negative Coping Frequent use of OTC drugs Use of drugs or alcohol
Withdrawal
Fasting/eating binges
Excessive smoking
Rationalizing
Projecting
Compensations
Avoidance

7. How Stress Effects the Body
Alarm Stage: the 1st stage of stress!
Body releases adrenaline
Fight or Flight response
All your body’s efforts go into responding to the demand
Fight or flight: body releases epinephrine
Heart beats faster
Eyes widen
Breathing speeds up
Muscles tension
Sweating increases
Increased blood pressure

8. Resistance Stage
Body is trying to recover from the alarm of the 1st stage!
Still not functioning at normal energy levels.
Stressor still present.
If stress continues your body becomes more resistant to the stressor.
You can cope with added stress but only for a limited time!

9. Exhaustion Stage Body is worn down an tired
No energy left to fight the stressor
More susceptible to illness during this stage.
Body can no longer fight the stressor, especially if there are repeated stressors
You Feel? Exhausted, organs may suffer, immune system can no longer fight illness.

10. Early Warning Signs of Stress
Physical Signs:
Muscle tension
Head ache
Upset stomach,
pounding heart
shortness of breath
increased sweating
dry mouth
grinding teeth and nail biting

11. Emotional Signs of Stress
Anger
Impatience
Nervousness
Forgetfulness
Inability to concentrate
Negative thinking
Excessive worrying
Loss of interest
Crying a lot and self criticism

12. Behavioral Signs of Stress
Loss of Appetite
Overeating
Drug Abuse
Sleep Problems
Restlessness
Hurrying
Talking Fast
Reckless Behavior
Fidgeting

13. Stress management Program
Stop worrying about the little things
High level of physical fitness
Proper Diet
Awareness of reaction to stress
Awareness of common stressors
Support groups
Goal setting
Time Management
Involvement in challenging activities
Relaxation techniques

14. Stress Management Techniques!
Exercise (relieves tension)
Get Enough Sleep
Eat Right
Breathing Exercises/Tension-Releasing exercises
TIME MANAGEMENT!!!!!
Make time for yourself to do absolutely NOTHING
Time Management Activity!

15. So Much “To Do” so Little Time!
Write down everything you have to do
Prioritize your list (what's the most important?)
Do most important tasks first!
Eliminate Unnecessary things that waste time!
Finish one thing before you start another!