Today’s Agenda
Define stress
Fight or flight syndrome
Positive / negative stress
Identify stressors
Evaluate personal stress levels
Coping with stress
Ways to prevent stress
Effects of stress on the body
What is stress?
Reaction of the body and mind to everyday challenges and demands
Rising to a challenge or preparing for an event
Stressors
Anything that causes stress Biological stressors- ex: Illness
Environmental- ex: Noise, natural disasters
Cognitive- ex: Way you perceive a situation and how it affects you
Personal- ex: Negative reactions in the body and mind
Life situation- ex: death
Body’s Stress ResponseFight/Flight Response
Alarm First stage Mind and body go on high alert Prepares the body to defend itself or flee from a fight Symptoms:
Increased perspiration Increased heart rate and pulse Increased blood pressure Faster breathing rate
Second Stage
Resistance Adapts to the rush from the alarm and reacts to the
stressor Fight or flight response
Fight or Flight Response
Fight Ability to resist a physical challenge or attack may be
enhanced
Flight Run faster or further than normal to get out of danger
During this phase, your body is able to perform at a higher level of endurance
Final Stage
Fatigue Tired feeling takes over that lowers your level of
activity Ability to manage other stressors is low Affects the body in several ways:
Physical: muscle soreness, reaction time lowered Psychological: constant worry, depression, isolation Pathological: overworking body’s defenses in fighting
disease
Positive/Negative Stress
Eustress Healthy stress Gives one a feeling of
fulfillment or other positive feelings
Helps you accomplish a task or reach a goal
Feeling excited, challenged and focused
Playing on a sports team, doing well on a project
Distress Unhealthy stress Negative stress that
holds you back Negative effects on the
body
Feeling angry, disappointed and frustrated
Arguing with a friend, doing poor in school
Effects of Stress on the Body
Physical Headaches Asthma High blood pressure Weakened immune
system
Mental/Emotional and Social Difficulty
concentrating Mood swings Risks of substance
abuse Anxiety Depression
Ways to Control Chronic Stress
Physical Activity
Support among friends and family
Hobby or activity that relaxes you
Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
Ways to Prevent Stress
Plan ahead
Sleep
Physical Activity
Nutrition Regular meals – no snacking all day Limit “comfort” foods Limit caffeine
Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Personal Stress
Life events
Physical stressors
Daily Hassles
Stress-Management Techniques
Redirect energy
Relax and laugh
Positive outlook
Seek out support
Express yourself
Snowball Activity
Write down a stressor on a sheet of paper
Roll up the piece of paper and throw at the front of the room when I say “GO”
Top Related