Handling Stress

1. Handling Stress

2. Stress • A physical, social, or mental event or condition that requires us to cope with a given situation.

3. Eustress vs. Distress • Eustress – positive stress that allows for personal growth and satisfaction. • Getting married • Starting school • Beginning a job • Making new friends • Learning a new skill

4. Eustress vs. Distress • Distress – negative stress that is caused by events that cause stress and strain. • Financial problems • Death of a loved one • Academic difficulties • Breakup of a relationship

5. Response to Stress • Fight-or-Flight • When our bodies go on the alert to either fight or escape. • A sudden burst of energy and strength. • The heart speeds up, breathing increases, blood pressure elevates, sugar is released into the blood.

6. Stress and Your Health • Greater risk for heart disease. • Can decrease immunity to disease. • Can cause negative mental reactions.

7. Stress Reducers • Assess stressors • Change reactions to stress • Learn to cope • Exercise • Relax • Eat Healthy • Manage time • Reduce stresses

8. Other Techniques • Hypnosis – focus on one thought, object, or voice • Massage Therapy • Meditation – focus on deep breathing • Biofeedback – monitoring of physical responses to stress • Support Groups