STRESS MANAGEMENT

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress: Reaction of the body and mind to everyday

challenges and demands. Stress can be positive or negative. Positive Stress

Motivates you Inspires you to work harder to achieve a goal

Negative Stress Interferes with your ability to perform.

WHAT CAUSES STRESS

Stressor: Anything that causes stress Examples:

Homework Family Problems Lack of Sleep New School/New Home Peer Pressure Sports or other school activities Teacher expectations Problems with friends

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF STRESS

Headache Weakened Immune System High Blood Pressure Clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth Shortness of breath Fatigue Dry mouth Insomnia Muscle aches

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF STRESS

Difficulty concentrating School

Irritability Toward family Toward friends

Mood Swings Overeating or loss of appetite Depression Loneliness Worrying

MANAGING STRESS

SHORT-TERM WAYS TO HANDLE STRESS

Making excuses instead of admitting mistakes.

Shifting negative feelings about one person to another. Bring stress home.

Ignoring reality or pretending it doesn’t exist Putting the blame on someone else The use of drugs and alcohol. NOT THE ANSWER TO HANDLING STRESS

HOW TO HANDLE STRESS

Assert yourself Tell others how you feel without hurting or

disrespecting them Laughing

Make it a habit to laugh at least once a day Plan Ahead

Make times to do things you have to do that you do not like to do (homework)

OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT STRESS

Sleep (8 hours) Eats fruits and vegetables Set realistic long-term and short-term goals Play outside Believe every problem has a solution Exercise