1. Effects of Stress Overload
Long Term Effects of Stress

2. Stress Hormone - Cortisol
High levels of cortisol associated with chronic stress… …….
1. impairs cognitive function
2. deceases thyroid function
3. increases blood glucose levels
4. decreases bone density
5. sleep disruption
6. decrease muscle mass
7. slow wound healing
8. decrease immune system

3. Health Problems caused or exacerbated by stress
Pain of any kind
Heart disease
Cancers
Digestive problems
Sleep problems
Depression/suicide
Weight problems
Auto immune diseases
Skin conditions – rashes, hives, eczema

4. Cognitive Symptoms Memory problems Inability to concentrate
Poor judgement
Seeing only the negative
Anxious or racing thoughts
Constant worrying

5. Emotional Symptoms Moodiness Irritable/short temper\
Agitated, inability to relax
Feeling overwhelmed
Sense of loneness and isolation
Depression and general unhappiness

6. Physical Symptoms Aches/pains Diarrhea or constipation Nausea
Dizziness
Chest pain, rapid heart rate
Tremors
Frequent colds

7. Behavioral Symptoms Eating more or less
Sleeping too much or too little
Isolating yourself from others
Procrastination or neglecting responsibilities
Use of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs to relax
Nervous habits – biting nails, pacing, shaking legs

8. Factors that influence your stress tolerance
Your support network – strong support system decreases stress
Your exercise level – endorphins lift mood and reduce anxiety
Your diet – profound effect on mood (reduce processed and refined sugars)
Your sense of control – persevere through challenges or feel lack of control
Your attitude/outlook – optimist people embrace the challenge and are hardy
Your ability to deal with your emotions – can you bring emotions into balance,
bounce back from adversity
Your knowledge and Preparation – more you know about a situation ( how long it will last, what to expect) better to cope

9. Addictions of Life – stress overload causes us to look for a quick fix
Alcohol
Smoking
Drugs
Shopping
Exercise
Sex
Food
Gambling

10. How to Manage Stress Engage Socially Get moving
Set aside time to relax
Sleep
Eat healthy diet