MANAGING STRESS Chapter 3 WHAT IS STRESS Stress

MANAGING STRESS Chapter 3

WHAT IS STRESS • Stress- response of your body & mind to being challenged. • Two types of Stress • Eustress • Positive Stress • Distress • Negative Stress (An event or situation that causes stress – stressor)

CAUSES OF STRESS • Major Life Changes • Ex. Graduation, divorce, death, serious illness, learning you were adopted • Catastrophes • Events that threaten lives and destroy property • Everyday Problems • Hassel, conflict, pressure to succeed, pressure to be perfect • Environmental Problems • Conditions in your immediate surroundings

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS • 1. What is Stress • 2. When do people experience stress? • 3. What is meant by the term stressor? • 4. What are the 4 general types of stress?

HOW STRESS AFFECTS YOUR BODY • The body will have 3 stages • Alarm Stage • Body will release adrenaline (cause heart to beat fast, breathing speeds, muscles get tense) • You prepare to “fight or flight” • Resistance Stage • You become tired, irritable, less able to handle anymore added stress • Exhaustion Stage • Your body can no longer keep up • Physical & emotional resources are depleted

RECOGNIZE STRESS • The warning signs to stress includes changes in how your body functions, & changes emotions, thoughts, & behaviors 1. Behavior changes * overeating, trouble sleep, reckless behavior 2. Physical changes * headache, upset stomach, sweating 3. Changes in thinking * Negative, self criticism, critical of others, unable to concentrate 4. Emotional changes * Angry, irritable, nervous, crying

STRESS & ILLNESS • Stress can reduce bodies ability to fight illness & disease • Stomachaches • Asthma • Headaches • Lowered Resistance to Disease • Heart Disease • 44% of African American Women • 48% of African American Men • #1 Killer of African American’s is Heart Attack & Stroke

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS • 1. What are the 3 stages in the response of stress? • 2. What is the body’s reaction in the fight or flight stage? • 3. Describe 4 ways you can recognize when you are under stress? • 4. What is the relationship between stress and illness?

STRESS & PERSONALITY • Optimism and Pessimism • Tendency to focus on positive in situation • Tendency to focus on the negative in a situation • Aiming for Perfection • Perfectionist- excepts nothing less then excellence • Don’t focus on mistakes • Take pride in all the things you do well • Accept you cannot be perfect

RESILIENCE • Ability to bounce back • The key is having support of family and friends • Know strengths & weakness and have confidence • Make realistic plans • Have good communication and problem solving skills • Recognize and control their own feelings • Recognize that change is normal

COPING WITH STRESS • Take Control of Stress • Time Management • Mental Rehearsal • Reduce Tension • Physical Activity • Relaxation • Biofeedback (monitor body) • Avoid Negative Thinking • Humor

BUILD RESILIENCE SKILLS • Take care of yourself • Build a support system • Take Action • Help Somebody • Confide in yourself • Go Easy on yourself • Put things into perspective • Find Hassle Free Zone • Stick to your routine

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT • Sharing problems can help you see more clearly • Parent or Adult relative • Teacher or Religious Leader • School Counselor or Nurse • Sibling or Friend

CLASS ACTIVITY • Choose a stressful situation (Major life change, everyday problem, environmental problem, catastrophe) • Choose a positive coping strategy to dealing with your stressor