STRESS

Cymry DeBoucher

2006

Environment Schedules Demands Traffic Money Relationships Employment Threats and Dangers

Habits of MindPerfectionism Negative self and

world view

Paralyzed procrastinators

Self-threatening

Pursuit of Excellence Positive self and world view

Action plans

Able to take risks

Types of Stress

Excitement

Threat – Danger, Disappointment & Discouragement

Simulated with Stimulants

Same Chemical Reaction

Excess hormones

- cortisal and adrenaline

Excess neurotransmitter

- norepinephrine

Prime Objectives of All Organisms

To Survive

To Thrive

Brain Reactions:

Threat SafetyChemicals for alertness

and quick action

Adrenaline Cortisal Norepinephrine

Chemicals for

learning, thinking,

long-range planning

Seritonine Dopamine

Severe Results ofProlonged Stress or Threat

Impact on the BodyAllergiesMigraines

Stomach DisordersDecreased Immunity

Sleep ProblemsWeight Gain or Loss

TumorsSkin Problems

Severe Results ofProlonged Stress or Threat

Impact on the brain

Test anxiety

Tumors

Memory problems

Learning and thinking problems

Severe Results ofProlonged Stress or Threat

Impact on the Brain

Hyppocampus and Amygdalla Shrink

Regulate seritonine and dopamine May lead to depression and suicide

TestsTest Anxiety Body reacts to threat

Managing Test Anxiety Daily stress management Sleep and exercise Daily preparation and study using cortex strategies Short pre-test stress management routine

Baselines

Parents

Taught you to brush your teeth everyday?

Taught you to manage your stress everyday?

Stress Management

Step 1

Identify specific people, events,

or circumstances that you associate with feeling anxious or pressured.

Stress Management

Step 2

Accept that stress comes from inside

and is only triggered from outside.

Stress ManagementStep 3

Take action Diminish or eliminate Change perspective Engage in activities that reduce

the physical impact of stress

Managing Environment Avoid stressful people/situations Organization (time management) Saying no to self/others Setting realistic priorities Adding calming elements to your

physical environment Choosing your battles wisely

Managing Emotional Stress

Having a sense of purpose Talking to a friend Counseling Self-understanding Dealing with perfectionism Keeping a journal Helping someone else Prayer

Managing Physical Stress

Yoga Meditation Deep breathing Contour drawing Relaxation tapes Massage/touch Instrumental music Rhythmic physical activities Athletics

4 Key Elements That Help to Nurture a Peaceful Healthy

Brain

Rhythmic – Alpha Waves

Requires concentration away from the left brain – Relaxed left brain

4 Key Elements That Help to Nurture a Peaceful Healthy

Brain

Cleansing breaths:

Clean blood in the brain

Physical movement:

Relaxed body

Schools

Agents of Social Change

What Would Happen If……..

A community scheduled time each day

for all members to learn and practice

stress management?

What if the community was a school?