Unit 5: Teen IssuesPart 1: Stress

© Jenison International AcademyMelissa Rodgers

Year End Assignment:

❖ Study the dating and marriage practices of a foreign country and compare them to those practiced in United States / Michigan.

❖ Typed, double spaced, 20 pages long

❖ 10 sources - (2 must be personal interviews) - MLA bibliography

❖ Worth 400 points - due day of exam

Just kidding :)

❖How did your bodies feel after this exercise?

❖Were you nervous?

❖How was your breathing?

❖What did your muscles feel like? Was your stomach in a knot?

STRESS

Stress❖ Stress is a state of bodily or mental tension resulting from

change. Our bodies react in the same way whether the situation is welcomed or unwelcomed. Our hearts beat faster, our bodies produce a natural stimulant called adrenaline, we breath more rapidly, we are more alert, and we may perspire more. All of these responses can be good for you when followed by periods of relaxation. They can give you the “competitive edge” in sports, keep you alert and able to concentrate for a test, or can literally save your live in an emergency. However, when your body is constantly wound up and cannot relax, these same responses can lead to increased blood pressure, anxiety attacks, and a wide range of physical disorders. Stress can happen at good and bad times.

Typical Signs of Stress:

❖ 1. Heart rate increase

❖ 2. Rapid breathing

❖ 3. Stomach in a knot

❖ 4. Blood pressure rises

❖ 5. Muscle tense / tighten

Types of Stress:BAD VS.

❖ mocked

❖ argument

❖ bad grade

❖ did not make team

❖ death

GOOD

❖ date

❖ wedding

❖ winning

Types of Stress:Short Term VS.

❖ Homework deadline

❖ injury

❖ test

❖ money

Long Term

❖ handicap

❖ divorce

❖ death

❖ financial trouble

❖ substance use

Types of Stress:Anticipated VS.

❖ movie

❖ roller coaster

❖ haunted house

Unexpected

❖ surprise

❖ win

❖ break up

❖ lose something

Stress Overload – Physical

The following symptoms may signal too much stress

❖ a. headaches

❖ b. tense muscles

❖ c. skin problems

❖ d. digestive system problems

❖ e. quick, shallow breathing

Stress Overload – Emotional

The following symptoms may signal too much stress

❖ a. easily frustrated

❖ b. irritable / cranky

❖ c. nightmares

❖ d. feeling overwhelmed

❖ e. no sense of humor

Stress Overload - Behavioral signs

The following symptoms may signal too much stress

❖ a. eating pattern changes

❖ b. frequent crying

❖ c. avoiding others

❖ d. procrastinating

❖ e. sleeping pattern changes

Managing StressPreventing stress in your life

❖ a. Stay Healthy by eating the proper diet, getting regular exercise, and plenty of sleep

❖ b. Avoid stress by doing things that you enjoy. Surround yourself with things and activities that make you feel good.

❖ c. Get organized in all areas of your life: your bedroom and your school work. Use a calendar – create systems that work for you

❖ d. Monitor your obligations with others. Do not commit yourself so you are doing too much and not leaving time for relaxation and de-stressing.

Managing StressPreventing stress in your life

❖ The 3 C’s of attitude:

❖ 1. Commitment – feeling like you belong, whether it is with your family, your school, a team, or a job – find something / someplace where you feel welcome and can be yourself.

❖ 2. Control – knowing you can change the situation by making thoughtful decisions. Not feeling helpless.

❖ 3. Challenge – accept whatever happens (good or bad) and make the most out of it. Seeing those things that stress you as obstacles to overcome instead of obstacles in your way.

Coping with StressWhen do you find yourself stressed? What can you do

about it?

Recognize the causes:

❖ a. Is it due to an irrational belief about yourself and those around you? (ex: “I have to be liked by everyone”, “I have to be perfect”, “I cannot make mistakes”, and feeling that the world should always be fair.)

❖ b. Notice how you react to the situation. Did you handle it well, did you lose your cool and make things worse for yourself?

❖ c. Ask yourself, will this pass quickly? Do I really need to stress about this?

Coping with StressWhen do you find yourself stressed? What can you do

about it?

Practice relaxation techniques:

❖ a. Learn to relax (ex: deep breathing, meditation, listen to soothing music, etc.)

❖ b. Do things that you truly enjoy. Allow yourself some time to do what makes you happy, have some “me” time.

❖ Look for techniques in this lesson folder

Coping with StressWhen do you find yourself stressed? What can you do

about it?

Talk with someone:

❖ a. Find someone that you feel comfortable sharing your feelings and thoughts with and allow yourself to be unburdened by clearing your mind (ex: parents, friends, counselors, teacher, etc.)

❖ b. Take some action to deal with the stress. This could involve confronting an individual as well as a situation. It may cause you to take a risk and/or feel uncomfortable.