The Effects of Stress

On Our Physical and Emotional Health

And

Ways to Handle it Better

Introduction

• Stress is defined as an organism’s total response to environmental demands or pressures. (Free Medical Dictionary online)

• School, families, work, finances, all of these factors can become overwhelming so easily, and we never know until we are feeling the effects on our physical & emotional health, as well as our personal life.

• Today I want to talk to you about the effects that stress has on us and ways for us to handle the day to day stressors of life in a better way.

The Cause & Effect of Stress

• Some causes of stress can be gene differences, major life changes such as marriage/divorce, starting/losing a job, having children, or losing a loved one. Genetic differences also play a factor, and it was also reported by the CDC in 2004 that terrorist acts around the world effect people’s stress levels and coping mechanisms.

• It is now believed that 80%-90% of all disease is caused from stress. Anything from cancer, heart/high blood pressure problems, skin disorders, and anxiety & depression disorders. Our bodies have become a ticking time bomb.

Ways to Effectively Handle Stress

• Decide what things in life are stressing you out, and avoid the people or situation until you are better equipped to either accept, compromise, or get better control over your personal life.

• Start writing a journal; it’s a great way to reflect on what your feeling and own up to your own actions.

• Ask for help! People can’t read our minds and most are willing to lend a hand to a friend in need. It is also okay to “Just say No”, we do not always have to be the “Yes Man”.

• Manage time better, plan ahead, and delegate around the house.

• Take a deep breath, focus on yourself, and contact a counselor, or your church. Also go online to helpguide.org, it is a non-profit site with service guide and helpful resources.

In Conclusion

• I sincerely hope that through listening to my speech today, you understand that everyone goes through stressful situations, and we have to get a better handle on how we deal with stressful situations or it can be very detrimental to our physical and emotional health.

• If we just focus on loving ourselves, understanding that sometimes we have to give up some control of the situation, and remember that tomorrow is another day, we can get through everything.

• And now, I am going to go and practice what I preach

Quotes to Live by:

• “Sometimes it seems your ever-increasing list of things to do can leave you feeling totally undone.” –Susan Mitchell and Catherine Christie

• “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” –Sylvia Plath

• “Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” –Hans Selye

• “Stress is like spice – in the right proportion it enhances the flavor of a dish. Too little produces a bland, dull meal; too much may choke you.” –Donald Tubesing

• “…and God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” –I Corinthians 10:13