What Is Stress Mr Fleming Lovejoy Discovery Objectives

What Is Stress? ? Mr. Fleming Lovejoy Discovery

Objectives • Students will be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. Explain causes and effects of stress Describe personal stressors at home Describe physical / emotional reactions to stress Explain positive and negative ways of dealing with stress

Journal Activity • In your journal; • Write down how you would define the word “STRESS”. • What were you feeling emotionally when you thought we were having a test? • • • Nervous Angry Confused Scared Worried

What are some of the physical reactions to the situation? • Increased HR • Faster breathing • Sweating • Stomach upset • Dry mouth These are all physical reactions to stress!

Stress Is. . . a feeling of pressure. It’s a part of life. Stress can be useful. It can help you learn new skills. But it can also cause worry, upset or fear, or even make you sick.

Stressor – Anything that causes stress • External stressors – from the outside world • School assignments • Peer pressure • Difficult events • Internal stressors – from inside yourself • Intrinsic motivation • Worry about what others may think • Self doubt

What are some Stressor you may experience; • At home? • At school? • With friends?

Can positive situations be stressful? • Trying out for a team • Getting ready for vacation • Any situation with an uncertain outcome can be potentially stressful…. it’s how you deal with it that counts

Reactions to Stress Positive Negative • Does the feeling of stress motivate you take action? • Do you shut down and avoid the situation?

Ways to Deal With STRESS Positive Negative • Get more info on the situation • Ask for help • Doing something to help you relax • Take a break / calm down • 1 step at a time • Ignore the situation • Acting out by getting angry or upset • Blaming someone else

Effects of Stress Mental Health Problems • Depression • High levels of anxiety • Withdrawal from friends • Alcohol or other drug use Physical Health Problems • Feeling tired • Not being able to sleep • Upset stomach • Headaches or neck aches Serious Illnesses • Cancer • High blood pressure

What if life was stress – free? • BORING!!!! Without stress you would never…… • Face new challenges • Learn new things or grow in certain ways Stress is natural… Learning how to handle it is key to staying healthy