Stress

What causes you stress?

What is stress? Stress is the response to your body

and mind when being challenged or threatened.

Remember:Positive = EustressNegative = Distress

The many causes of stress… Major life changes Catastrophes Everyday problems Environmental problemsWhat everyday problems did you

experience today that were stressful to you?

Stress• All stressors trigger the same response in your body, but the intensity can be different.

• Stages of Stress-•Alarm

•Resistance

•Exhaustion

Alarm Stage

• Body releases adrenaline which provides a burst of energy which makes you become more alert

• Homeostasis is disrupted

• Fight or flight response - see figure on page 61 and copy 3 physical responses.

Resistance Stage

• It is not always possible to fight or take flight from the stressor

• If stressor continues you enter resistance

• Body tries to restore homeostasis – but is unable

• Body functions at higher–than normal rate. As a result- tired, irritable, less able to handle added stress.

Exhaustion Stage• If stressor continues you enter exhaustion.

• Body is worn down and is unable to fight stressor

• Body becomes susceptible to illness

• Only occurs if stressor continues for weeks-months-even years!

Recognizing Signs of Stress

• How can you prevent stress?

First-you need to recognize when you are under stress

• See figure5 (p.62)- Early Warning Signs of Stress

• Physical-Emotional-Changes in Thinking-Behavioral

• Pick at least three from each area and write them down on your paper.

Stress and Injuries/Illness

• Distraction – leads to accidents

• Psychosomatic Illness –

• Lowered Resistance to illness

• Ulcers

• Asthma

• High blood Pressure & Heart Disease

Stress and Personality• Just as your personality is unique, so, too, is the way you react to potentially stressful situations.

• Personality Types

• Perfectionism

• Optimism? Pessimism?

• Resilience

Managing Your TIME: Track how you spend your time Make a daily “To Do” list Prioritize your tasks Plan your day Monitor your progress

Managing Stress• Managing stress helps to restore balance in your life – it prevents the stressors from taking control and making you ill.

• Confronting Problem

• Time management

• Physical Activity

• Relaxation

• Mental Rehearsal

• Humor

• Reach out for support

Text book pg. 78 1-17 questions