Sometimes I feel like this!

Teacher Stress!

Stress may be positive which is Eustress or it can be negative which is Distress.

Stressors are Neutral.

Stress becomes Distress when demand exceeds resources. When we are unable to adapt in a way that leaves us feeling uncomfortable.

Stressors can be: Events, Circumstances, People, Feelings, Attitudes, and Things.

Stressors can be:

1. Internal – within our direct control

2. External – not under our direct control

3. Real

4. Imagined

Success is determined by how we handle stress.

Stress forces us to LOOK AT, ACCEPT, or CHANGE our lives.

1. ALARM - “Fight of flight stage”

- Perception of the stress – real vs. imagined.

- Your bodies reactions “Boo”

- Response involves the nervous system and the endocrine system

- “Emergency hormone – adrenaline”

2. RESISTANCE – “How you cope with your stress over an extended amount of time. How well you adapt to change?”

- Prolonged, long termed stress

- Headaches, illness, etc.

3. EXHAUSTION

- The machine breaks down during prolonged periods of stress

- Immune system depressed

- Leads to the negative end of the wellness continuum

PhysicalMuscle achesHeadachesSleepinessQueasy stomachInduced/increased appetiteChronic fatigueExcessive drinking, smoking or drug use

SocialWithdrawalIsolationIncreased conflictsImpaired listening skillsChronic whiningLoss of interest in activities

MentalNegative self talkCatastrophicizing eventsOpposition to changeSelf doubt

LocationalLack of concentrationInsecurityCynicismProcrastinationDisorganizationExcessive sensitivityMistrustApathy

Spiritual-Loss of personal meaningReduced commitment to valuesDecreased self centerness

EmotionalAnger, resentment, fearHelplessnessDespairLonelinessGuiltPity

PAST

Identify past change to evaluate risk

Reduce future change if risk is high

TLC – Do everything possible to promote health

PRESENT

Stress levels high – don’t take additional change

Say NO to lessen energy drain

Manage your time to allow for health promoting behaviors

Visualize a positive outcome

Talk it through-use decision making strategy

FUTURE

Postpone (if possible) future change (s)

Practice for future stress (taking test, college class)

Get all the information needed to be prepared

Prioritize changes – Learn to say NO

Get comfortable with future environment (College visits etc.)

Talk changes over with someone who cares

Maintain healthy daily routine