What are some of the biggest changes that

What are some of the biggest changes that have occurred in your life in the past five years.

What is Stress � The response of your body and mind to being challenged or threatened. � You experience stress when situations, events, or people make demands on your body and mind. � Stress can be negative or positive.

What is Stress? � Positive stress is known as eustress and helps you escape from dangerous situations, promotes personal growth, or helps you accomplish your goals. � Eustress can help you focus on the important things that are coming up in your life. � Negative stress is called distress.

The many causes of Stress � An event or situation that causes stress is called a stressor. � Arguments, difficult assignments, and ringing alarm clocks are all stressors. � Four general types of stressors are: Major life changes, catastrophes, everyday problems, and environmental problems.

Major Life Changes � Do you remember your first day at this school? � They are stressful because it takes energy to adjust to a new situation. � It may also threaten your sense of security or your self-esteem. � They can be either positive or negative changes.

Catastrophes � An event that threatens lives and may destroy property. � Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, violent crimes, terrorism, and war are all examples of catastrophes. � Catastrophes are extremely stressful because they are unexpected.

Everyday Problems � Some of the most common stressors are minor, but frequent, everyday events. � Examples include: Misplacing keys, missing a bus, or having too much homework on the same day. � Conflict-disagreement with family members, friends, or others-is another source of stress. � There is an endless amount of reasons for conflict and all of them cause stress.

Everyday Problems � For many people, the pressure to succeed is a major source of stress. � People do not want to fail and they don’t want to disappoint their friends, families, or themselves. � You can see this stress anytime there is competition-in class, at a basketball game, playing chess, or in a debate.

Environmental Problems � Noise is a major stressor that is overlooked almost daily. ◦ Busy highways, airports, train tracks � Living in unsafe or crowded conditions also tends to increase levels of stress. � During a heat wave or a long spell of freezing temperatures, people may feel increased stress.