Stress, Health and CopingDaniel RenzoGeoff Doiron

What is Stress? Stress is your reaction to any change

that requires you to adjust or respond.

Stress is a person’s response to a stressor such as an environmental condition or a stimulus.

Everybody experiences stress. Our bodies are designed to feel stress and react to it.

It keeps us alert and ready to avoid danger.

Stress may occur in any aspect of adult development Cognitive: Memory loss Physical: Getting new glasses; aches

and pains Social: Divorce; fight with a friend

What causes stress? Stress can be caused by anything –

Good and Bad. Your body reacts to these changes with

physical, mental, and emotional responses.

The cause of stress can be different for each person.

Common Causes of Stress Death of a loved one Confrontations Marriage Legal problems Job loss Divorce New job Retirement Money problems Illnesses Parenting

Warning signs of stress?Your body sends out physical, emotional, and behavioral warning signs of stress.

Emotional warning signs are: Anger Inability to concentrate Unproductive worry Sadness Frequent mood swings

Physical warning signs are: Stooped posture Sweaty palms Chronic fatigue Weight gain or loss Erectile dysfunction Stomach pains Blood pressure elevation Changes in bowel habits Sleep disturbance

Behavioral warning signs are: Over-reacting Acting on impulse Using alcohol or drugs Withdrawing from relationships Changing jobs often Eating disorders

It’s important to remember that you can control stress because stress comes from how you respond to stressful events, not the events themselves.

Stress causes health issues Negative effects on the immune system Asthma Back pain Fatigue Headaches Ulcers Raised blood pressure Increases the risk of heat attack and stroke Anxiety and Depression Many more!

How to cope with stress Low your expectations Ask others for help or to assist you Take responsibility for the situation Engage in problem solving Maintain emotionally supportive

relationships Maintain emotional composure Challenge previously held beliefs that are

no longer adaptive

Coping – continued Distance yourself from the source of

stress Learn to relax Eat and drink sensibly Stop smoking or other bad habits Exercise regularly Maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem

Seek help when: Decline in work/school performance Excessive anxiety Alcohol or drug abuse Irrational fears Change in sleeping or eating habits Suicidal thoughts or urge to hurt others Withdrawn or antisocial behavior Self-destructive or dangerous behavior

Where to get help: Here! The wellness center offers

counseling Your doctor Crisis hotline

Breathing exercise with class

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVWhRCm7z8&feature=player_detailpage

Questions?