Managing Stress Wellness Stress How would you define

Managing Stress & Wellness

Stress �How would you define stress? �Write down 10 people, places or things that cause you stress/stress you out?

What is stress? �Stress: The rate of wear and tear within the body �Stress: The anxious or threatening feeling that comes when we interpret or appraise a situation as being more than we can handle

Stressor �Stressor: Anything that causes stress �They can range from everyday annoyances to serious personal problems �They might also affect different people in different ways

�Eustress: Positive stress �It can make your life more pleasurable �It can help you reach your goals and motivate you to do your best

�Distress: negative stress �It can have unhealthy physical effects (upset stomach, losing sleep) �It has emotional effects on mood, etc. �You can’t avoid distress but you can manage it

Ways to manage stress �Follow a healthy lifestyle � Problems are always easier to deal with if you feel well �Keep a positive outlook �Be physically active �Manage your time � Avoid distractions

Ways to manage stress �Know how and when to relax � Reduces stress by slowing your heart rate and making you feel less tense �Try this: � Relax your muscles �Progressive Muscle Relaxation � Slow your breathing �Deep Breathing exercises � Get enough sleep �Optional: Read Becoming Aware, page 370, tips for managing stress

Type A/Type B Survey �Number your paper 1 -47 �Turn to page 389 take the personality survey �Total all your numbers to identify your final score. Write that down on your paper. � Less than 120 pts=Type B � More than 120 pts=Type A

�Read 358 -360 (Stop at Negative and Defensive Coping) �Read about the two personality types: Type A and Type B �Create a chart that lists 10 characteristics of each type �Answer questions 1 -4 on page 392 in response to the Type A/B quiz you just took

Type A Thrives on stress! Ignores fatigue Competitive Eats, walks, talks fast Aggressive Ambitious Stressful and fast-paced lifestyle Perfectionist Clock-watcher Trouble relaxing

Type B More relaxed Serious but easy-going Patient and relaxed Not easily irritated Less competitive Avoids stress Speaks, eats, walks slowly Prefers peaceful, steady, quiet lifestyle

Discussion questions �What if 2 type A personalities were married? What might their relationship be like? �What if 2 type B personalities were married? What might their relationship be like? �What if one person is type A, one is type B? �Which type would be better fit to be a teacher? President of a bank? �When might you need to be more of a type A personality? �When might you need to be more of a type B personality?