WELCOME TO 2017 COVENANT PRAYER OF GRACE OF GOD MISSION IGBO-UKWU DIVISION RELAX YOU ARE A CHILD OF COVENANT GOD HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU

Stress Management PRESENTED BY Dr. Okey Ejikeme

What is Stress? Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your focus. This is known as the “fight or flight” or mobilization stress response and is your body’s way of protecting you.

STRESS!!! When stress is within your comfort zone, it can help you to stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life. Stress can also help you rise to meet challenges Stress is what keeps you on your toes and sharpens your concentration. But beyond your comfort zone, stress stops being helpful and can start causing major damage to your mind and body.

FOUR TYPES OF STRESS 1. General Stress: Everyone has this kind of stress It resolves itself within a day or two No intervention is necessarily required

FOUR TYPES OF STRESS 2. Cumulative Stress: Stress builds up in your body It becomes more difficult to alleviate your symptoms You may have more serious physical symptoms You may have more serious mental anguish

FOUR TYPES OF STRESS 3. Acute Traumatic Stress: Critical Incident Stress Produces considerable psychological distress A normal reaction to abnormal events

FOUR TYPES OF STRESS 4. Post Traumatic Stress: Severe stress produced by severe psychological trauma Created by unresolved Critical Incident Stress Produces lasting changes

Health problems caused or exacerbated by stress *1.Depression and anxiety 2.Weight problems 3.Auto immune diseases 4.Skin conditions, such as eczema 5.Reproductive issues 6.Pain of any kind 7.Heart disease 8.Digestive problems 9.Sleep problems 10.Cognitive and memory problems

Signs and symptoms of chronic stress Cognitive Symptoms •Memory problems •Inability to concentrate •Poor judgment •Seeing only the negative •Anxious or racing thoughts •Constant worrying

Signs and symptoms of chronic stress Emotional Symptoms •Depression or general unhappiness •Anxiety and agitation •Moodiness, irritability, or anger •Feeling overwhelmed •Loneliness and isolation •Other mental or emotional health problems

Signs and symptoms of chronic stress Physical Symptoms •Aches and pains •Diarrhea or constipation •Nausea, dizziness •Chest pain, rapid heartbeat •Frequent colds or flu

Signs and symptoms of chronic stress Behavioral Symptoms •Eating more or less •Sleeping too much or too little •Withdrawing from others •Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities •Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax •Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Common external causes of stress 1.Major life changes 2.Work or school 3.Relationship difficulties 4.Financial problems 5.Being too busy 6.Children and family

Common internal causes of stress Pessimism Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility Negative self-talk Unrealistic expectations/Perfectionism All-or-nothing attitude Chronic worry

HEALTHY LIVING TO CONQUER STRESS Examine your diet Lower your salt intake Lower your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates Lower your caffeine intake Add to your diet Vegetables Fruits Complex Carbohydrates Vitamins Water

HEALTHY LIVING Rest: Get a minimum of six hours of continuous rest daily

HEALTHY LIVING Exercise: At least twenty minutes, five times a week break a sweat, to release endorphins

HEALTHY LIVING Talk things out with someone you trust - a family member or a good friend or your Pastor

HEALTHY LIVING Too many people look for an easy answer to stress management by misusing Alcohol Drugs Marijuana Medicines & Pills

HEALTHY LIVING Make an increased effort to organize your life Ask for help Delegate things when you need to

HEALTHY LIVING Relaxing needs to be part of your daily routine.

HEALTHY LIVING RELAAAAAAX

HEALTHY LIVING Take charge of your life. Act appropriately -don’t simply react to stressful situations Find balance in all that you do.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Questions?????

THE END T THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!