Dealing with Stressors Identify the Stressor Fighting parents

Dealing with Stressors

Identify the Stressor • • • Fighting parents Divorce Death A new baby in the house Breaking up with or getting a new boyfriend/girlfriend The oil light going on in your car Having an argument with someone Losing your keys Passing a police car when you are speeding Vacation Receiving an award

Identify your control over the stressor • Is the stressor from an outside source? – A death – Parents fighting • Is the stressor a result of a choice we made? – How fast you drive – How well you take care of your car – Not having enough money to go to the mall

Can you eliminate the stressor? • Examples: – Don’t drive fast – Take better care of your car – Don’t spend so much money • If you cannot eliminate the stress, then build your skills to deal with it

Finding the source of your stress • Biology test today, teacher just told you about it when you walked in the door? • Biology test today, teacher told you about it 2 days ago. You are not prepared because you did not study. You have been watching TV every night this week.

Ways to Relieve Stress

• Sleep consistently – Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time – Use sleep techniques if you can’t fall asleep – Refrain from caffeine

• Eat right • Drink plenty of water • Exercise lightly or rigorously

• Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages – If we use alcohol and drugs to make stress go away we will lose our ability to feel good naturally…addiction

• BREATHE!!! • Scream…preferably in a pillow • Don’t over worry about things you can’t control • Be decisive

• Put worries into perspective – Will this affect you in 10 years from now? – If so…how will you get past it • Determine what’s important in your life and keep focused

• Find a hobby to help take your mind off of your problems • Surround yourself with people that make you a better person • Do not live to regret

• Listen to relaxing music • Listen to upbeat music

LAUGH!!! • Laughter releases endorphins, which… MAKE US HAPPY!

• Remember!!! – Only you are in charge of your mood!