Today’s Agenda

Define stress

Fight or flight syndrome

Positive / negative stress

Identify stressors

Evaluate personal stress levels

Coping with stress

Ways to prevent stress

Effects of stress on the body

What is stress?

Reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands

Rising to a challenge or preparing for an event

Stressors

Anything that causes stress Biological stressors- ex: Illness

Environmental- ex: Noise, natural disasters

Cognitive- ex: Way you perceive a situation and how it affects you

Personal- ex: Negative reactions in the body and mind

Life situation- ex: death

Body’s Stress ResponseFight/Flight Response

Alarm First stage Mind and body go on high alert Prepares the body to defend itself or flee from a fight Symptoms:

Increased perspiration Increased heart rate and pulse Increased blood pressure Faster breathing rate

Second Stage

Resistance Adapts to the rush from the alarm and reacts to the

stressor Fight or flight response

Fight or Flight Response

Fight Ability to resist a physical challenge or attack may be

enhanced

Flight Run faster or further than normal to get out of danger

During this phase, your body is able to perform at a higher level of endurance

Final Stage

Fatigue Tired feeling takes over that lowers your level of

activity Ability to manage other stressors is low Affects the body in several ways:

Physical: muscle soreness, reaction time lowered Psychological: constant worry, depression, isolation Pathological: overworking body’s defenses in fighting

disease

Positive/Negative Stress

Eustress Healthy stress Gives one a feeling of

fulfillment or other positive feelings

Helps you accomplish a task or reach a goal

Feeling excited, challenged and focused

Playing on a sports team, doing well on a project

Distress Unhealthy stress Negative stress that

holds you back Negative effects on the

body

Feeling angry, disappointed and frustrated

Arguing with a friend, doing poor in school

Effects of Stress on the Body

Physical Headaches Asthma High blood pressure Weakened immune

system

Mental/Emotional and Social Difficulty

concentrating Mood swings Risks of substance

abuse Anxiety Depression

Ways to Control Chronic Stress

Physical Activity

Support among friends and family

Hobby or activity that relaxes you

Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

Ways to Prevent Stress

Plan ahead

Sleep

Physical Activity

Nutrition Regular meals – no snacking all day Limit “comfort” foods Limit caffeine

Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

Personal Stress

Life events

Physical stressors

Daily Hassles

Stress-Management Techniques

Redirect energy

Relax and laugh

Positive outlook

Seek out support

Express yourself

Snowball Activity

Write down a stressor on a sheet of paper

Roll up the piece of paper and throw at the front of the room when I say “GO”