Stress Sucks!!
“When life throws you lemons, Make
lemonade!!”
KEY STRESS TERMS
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Stress is the reaction of the
body and mind to everyday
challenges and demands.
Stressor is anything that
causes stress.
Stress Response is your body's
reaction to a stressor
Chronic Stress is stress
associated with long term
problems beyond control
Categories of
Stressors
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Biological Stressor, such as
illness, or injuries
Environmental stressor,
such as poverty noise and
pollution
Cognitive, or thinking
stressor, the way you handle
a situation
Personal behavior stressor,
such as negative reactions
caused by tobacco, alcohol,
or other drugs or by lack of
physical activity
Life situation stressor,
such as death, divorce, and
situations with peers
Distress (discomfort)
Distress is a harmful
response to a
stressor that
produces negative
events
* Failing a test or class
* Fighting with friend
or family member
* Dealing with divorce
* Being late
Eustress (excited or motivated)
A healthful
response to a
stressor that
produces a
positive result
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Performing in a
competition
(play/sports/dance)
Taking a test
Giving a
presentation
Moving into a new
home
Fight or Flight
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Your body’s response to a stressful
situation is automatic
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Pupils dilate
Hearing improves
Heart rate increases
Muscles tighten
Sweating increases
Adrenaline is released
Alarm Response
Alarm is the first
stage in the stress
response. This is
when the body and
mind go on high
alert. (Flight or
Fight Response)
During this stage,
your body adapts
to the rush
created by alarm
and reacts to the
stressor. This is
the stage in
which you to
“fight” or take
“flight.”
The Third
stage of the
stress
response, a
tired feeling
takes over
that lowers
your level of
activity. Both
the mind and
the body
become
exhausted.
Physical Fatigue – The
muscles work hard for long
periods of times, often
causing soreness and pain.
If stress
continues
your body
becomes
extremely
tired or
fatigued
Physiological Fatigue –
Results from constant worry,
overworked, depression,
boredom, isolation, or feeling
overwhelmed.
Pathological Fatigue –
Brought on by over working
the body’s defense and
fighting disease. Anemia, flu,
over weight, and poor
nutrition are a few examples.
Drugs and alcohol can
increase the feeling of
fatigue
Effects of Stress
• Headache
• Asthma
•Fatigue
•Difficulty Concentrating
• Mood Swings
• Risk to Substance (Drug) Abuse
• High Blood Pressure
•Cardiovascular Problems
• Weakened Immune System
Long-term stress increases
blood pressure and
cholesterol-inducing chronic
hypertension
• Engage in physical activity
• Look for support among friends and
family
• Find a hobby or activity to relax
• Avoid using drugs
Lack of Enjoyment in Life
Personal Causes of Stress
Situations involving anxiety, frustration or tension
will trigger a stress response
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Life events – Getting
drivers license,
graduation, birth,
illness, divorce.
Physical stressors –
pollution, noise,
injury, lack of sleep,
drug use
Daily hassles – time
pressures,
responsibilities,
conflicts.
Managing Stress
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Keep a sense of humor
Plan ahead
Get enough sleep
Participate in regular
physical activity
Eat healthy regular
meals
Limit comfort foods
(sweets) & Caffeine
Avoid drugs
Talk with family &
friends
Perform Relaxation
Techniques
Signs of Time Management Problems
Always rushing
 Constantly miss
deadlines
 Have trouble
finding things
 Are overwhelmed by
demands and details
 Try to do several
tasks at once
 Can’t decide what
to do next
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AH! STRESS
YOU CAN’T AVOID IT,
BUT
YOU CAN HANDLE IT!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!