Stress

What is Stress? Stress is a physical, mental or emotional

tension you feel when dealing with change

OR Your body’s response to change

Eustress A good stress, helps motivate us to do

something but not feel to overwhelmed.

Distress Bad stress that causes pain, anxiety, and

sorrow

What is a stressor?

Anything that causes us stress

Teen Top 4 Stressors School Friends Family Appearance

Eustress (positive stress)

Eustress causes these symptoms:

Good feelings

Feeling of excitement

Motivation

Peak Performance

Higher Achievement

Distress (too much stress)

Distress causes these symptoms:

Feeling worried and Uptight

Discomfort and Illness

Lower Performance Level

Feeling tired

No Stress

Too little stress causes these symptoms:

Bored and Low motivation

No Growth

Lower Performance Level

Physical Symptoms

Heart beats faster Breathe faster Butterflies (stomach ache) Cold hands or feet Excessive sweating Headaches/tense muscles Loss of appetite/over eating Inability to sleep/excessive sleeping Constipation/diarrhea Constant fatigue

Emotional symptoms

Crying Moodiness Irritability / impatience short temper Can’t concentrate Racing thoughts Anxiety / panic attacks Withdrawing Depression Restlessness

Behavioral Symptoms

Not caring about appearance Procrastination Grinding teeth Pacing, tapping, nail biting Nervous laughter Smoking/alcohol use Aggressive behavior Pulling hair Eating more or less Sleeping too much or too little

Alarm Stage

The body recognizes a stressor You experience the “fight or flight”

response.

Fight or Flight Adrenaline is released into the body

preparing one to be ready for physical activity

Look at the following diagram to see some of the changes that take place with the release of adrenaline

Fight or Flight

Resistance Stage

These physical changes prepare a person to react quickly and effectively to handle the pressure of the moment.

OR The person runs or flees

Exhaustion Stage

The body can no longer cope with the stress and you become physically or mentally exhausted

Why is stress harmful for us?

We can’t run from the stress We can’t fight the stress Leads to physical problems

increase blood pressurelower immune systeminsomniadigestive problemsacne

Positive, Negative or No StressPositive, Negative or No Stress

Going to math class

Positive, Negative or No StressPositive, Negative or No Stress

Taking a roller coaster ride

Positive, Negative or No StressPositive, Negative or No Stress

Watching a scary movie

BOO

BOO

BOO

Positive, Negative or No StressPositive, Negative or No Stress

Holding a snakeHolding a snake

Positive, Negative or No StressPositive, Negative or No Stress

Getting your report cardGetting your report card

Positive, Negative or No Stress

Going to a dance

Positive, Negative or No Stress

Giving a speech to the class

Body Stress Tips

Deep Breathing Progressive Muscle Relaxation Physical Activities Stretching Yoga A Massage Soaking in a hot tub

Mind Stress Tips

Meditation Reading Visualization Listening to calming music Movies Games Puzzles Hobbies and crafts

Art Therapy!

Why? Art therapy combines traditional theories

and techniques with an understanding of the creative process.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process of art is both healing and life enhancing.

SOOO… CREATE SOMETHING!

Write! Let your feelings out! Why? It can help to write about things that are

bothering you. Write to a parent, friend, teacher, or YOURSELF about your feelings.

This helps you feel better and is a healthy way to relieve stress.

SOOOO…. WRITE SOMETHING!

Play Games! Why? Getting your mind off your stressors can

be helpful. Playing games can help you relax and rest

before facing your stress. SOOOO….. PLAY!

Humor Therapy!

Why? Because laughter is the best medicine! Benefits of laughter: Laughter dissolves tension, anxiety, irritation, anger, grief, and

depression. Laughter increases the immune system. Laughter can help you think more clearly. Did you know… kids laugh about 400 times per day! Adults laugh

only about 14 times a day. SOOO… Get ready to LAUGH!

Sleep TherapySometimes you just haven’t had enough

sleep and your body is worn out. Make sure you are getting all of the sleep you need when you are feel to stressed out!