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Join our workshop to identify personal stressors, understand stress impacts, and learn coping techniques. Agenda includes stress signals, busters, management techniques, and relaxation activities. Explore physiological stress responses and ways to combat stress effectively. Engage in stress management techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Learn how to alter, avoid, or accept stressors in your life. Thank you for attending! For more information on Employee Assistance Programs, contact us at 240-314-1040 or visit our website.
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Stressing the Positive MCPS Employee Assistance Program
Outcomes • To identify personal stressors • To understand the physiological impact of stress on our bodies and mind • To learn and practice stress management techniques to cope more effectively with stress
Agenda • Opening • Stressors • Stress signals • Stress busters • Managing what we can control • Break
Agenda, cont • Stress management techniques • Relaxation activities – biodots! • Cognitive approach • In the moment ideas • Closing
How Does Stress Affect You?
Stress Signals Physical Symptoms Tight neck and shoulders Pounding heart Chest pain Headaches High blood pressure Diarrhea Constipation Fatigue Emotions Depression Anger Irritability Low self esteem Apathy impatience Behavior Negativity Increase in smoking Increase in drinking Reckless driving Forgetfulness Drug use Overeating Undereating
FIGHT Or FLIGHT
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO STRESS • Stress hormones released • Increased heart rate • Increased blood pressure • Increased rate of breathing • Blood rushes to vital organs • Digestive system shuts down • Muscles tense
Effects of Small Increase of Cortisol • Quick burst of energy for survival • Heightened memory functions • Burst of increased immunity • Lower sensitivity to pain • Helps maintain homeostasis in the body
Effects of Prolonged Increase of Cortisol Levels • Impaired cognitive performance • Suppressed thyroid function • Blood sugar imbalances • Decreased bone density • Decrease in muscle tissue • Higher blood pressure • Lowered immunity • Increased belly fat > heart attack, stroke, cholesterol issues
POP QUIZHow Long Does it Take to Reverse the Stress Response? • 30 seconds • 30 minutes • 3 hours • 3 days • 3 months
STRESSBUSTER Accept what you cannot change Change what you can
Stress Management Techniques
Relaxation • Deep Breathing • Progressive Muscle Relaxation • Guided imagery
Stress Squares Color Key ` More Relaxed Less Relaxed
AAAbc’s Technique • Alter the stressor: • direct communication • problem solving • time management • Avoid the stressor: • remove yourself from the situation • Accept the stressor by: • building your resilience • changing your perception
What Can You Do . . . In the Moment?
Thanks for coming!For more information about the EAP, contact us at 240-314-1040or visit our website athttp://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/eap