How to Recognize Signs of Stress. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.9 | 2

How to Recognize Signs of Stress

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 9 | 2

Recognizing Possible Signs of Stress

Health orMedical

Mental andEmotional

Behavioral

migraine or tensionheadache

irritability sleep badly

upset stomachdiarrhea

lose sense of humor snap or shout atthose around you

high blood pressure often on the vergeof tears

fiddle with yourhair

Shortness of breath crying spells high pitched ornervous laughter

Loss of appetite feeling that youcan’t cope

trembling, shaking,excessive blinking

Frequent orlingering colds

are suspicious ofothers

find it difficult totalk to people

Acne or pimples difficultyconcentrating

have troublecompleting tasks

Cold sores onmouth

difficulty makingdecisions

Over eating

dizziness making poordecisions

drink or smokemore that usual

lack of energy just can’t think reduced sex drive

dryness of thethroat and mouth

grinding teeth orclenching jaw


Stress is the physical and emotional response we have to events that

threaten or challenge us.


Stress

Catastrophic events - Sudden, powerful events that occur quickly and affect many people simultaneously (9/11)Personal stressors - Major life eventsDaily hassles - Minor irritants of life


Physical Response to Stress

Faster heart beatBreathing more rapid and shallowBody produces more sweatInternal organs churn out hormonesImmune system weakensSusceptible to illness


Around one-third of people in the United States are obese, which is 20% above average weight for a person of given

height.


Prepare

Reduce amounts of caffeine

Get plenty of rest


Organize: Identify Causes of Stress

List stressors in your life


Work: Develop Effective Coping Strategies

Take charge of situationDon’t waste energy trying to change the unchangeableLook for silver liningTalk to friendsRelaxKeep commitments, but delete unnecessary events from your busy calendar


Rethink

Place stress in perspectiveDon’t sweat the small stuff


Keeping Well

Eat right• Eat fruits, vegetables, and grain

products• Avoid foods high in sugar• Seek a diet low in fat and

cholesterol• Eat three regular meals per day• Watch out for hidden contents of

various foods• Beware of eating disorders

or

or


Career Connections

Anticipate job stress and consider choosing a career in a field that produces less stress,

especially if you have difficulty dealing with stress.

Documents

How to Recognize Signs of Stress. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.9 | 2