Bellringer: Complete the stress test on a separate sheet of paper Share the test handout with the other people at your table.

Sources of Stress Learner Outcome: Students will identify the various sources of stress and how they affect physical and mental health

Stress close to the heart Time your pulse for 30 seconds Double that number, then write it on your paper Then for one minute, turn out the lights, close your eyes, breath very deeply and slowly, in through the nose and out through the mouth After one minute time your pulse for another 30 seconds, double that number then write it on your paper What does this exercise teach us about our abilities to control stress? Stress close to the heart

What is Stress? A person’s perception of his or her ability to cope with certain tense situations An anxious or threatening feeling resulting from a stimulating situation

Why is this stressing me out? Stressors A stress producing situation or event. Traveling in an airplane may be a stressor for someone that has never flown, but not for a flight attendant What are some of your stressors?

Stress Reaction The body’s observable response to a stressor Can be perceptual, cognitive, physical, or emotional. Sweaty palms, mind racing, anxiety

Distress Vs. Eustress Distress = Negative stress Stress that stems from anxiety or pressure Worrying about grades, or money Eustress = Positive stress, results from motivating, striving and challenges You are being chased by a killer, your adrenaline glands kick in and you run faster than you ever have before Distress Vs. Eustress

Go to a movie with friends or stay home and study for your test—desire to hang out with friends vs. the desire to do well in school Can be major sources of stress on a person. If you choose one will your stress be gone? Conflict Situations

Approach-Approach Avoidance-Avoidance Approach-Avoidance Double Approach-Avoidance You must choose between two attractive options You must choose between two disagreeable options You find yourself in a situation with both enjoyable and disagreeable consequences You must choose between multiple options, each of which has pleasurable and disagreeable aspects. Do I want to go to the ballgame or the concert Should I stay up all night and study for my math final or my social studies final Should I ask him to go to the party with me? He may say yes he may say no. Should I stay home and wait for my girlfriend to call me, or should I just go out with my friends and maybe miss the call

Your level of stress is based on your appraisal of a situation Primary Appraisal = immediate evaluation of a situation Might be positive, negative, or irrelevant Secondary Appraisal = How to deal or cope with a situation Appraisal

Common Stressors Environmental Stess: Noise is the number one environmental stressor Loud, irregular, and uncontrollable Can cause headaches, nausea, and moodiness Crowding can be pleasant or stressful If the situation is pleasant crowding is fine If it is unpleasant than crowding is a stressor Common Stressors

Crowded, but a fun event

Pleasant event, but unpleasant experience

Common Stressors CHANGE! Everyday Stress Marriage/divorce, illness, moving away, death in the family---all sources of stress Separations from important people or relationships Everyday Stress Uplifts = Small positive events that can prevent stress Finding a $20 bill Going out to eat with a friend Getting off work an hour early Hassles = Everyday stressors Losing car keys Crowded elevator Traffic Hassles can weaken the body’s immune system Give the SRRS test handout Common Stressors

On the post-it note provided, describe one stressful situation experienced by you, a friend, or a family member. Keep it anonymous and be detailed!

Reaction to Stress Emotional Cognitive Behavioral Physical Anxiety – feeling of imminent but unclear threat Anger – irate reaction resulting from frustration Fear – reaction when stressor involves real or imagined danger. Difficulty in concentrating/thinking clearly Poor decision making Unjustified suspicion or distrust Nervous habits Drug use/drinking Sleeping Overeating or Under-eating Change in posture Decline in personal hygiene Aggression towards family Psychosomatic symptoms – headache, stomach ache, muscle pain Fight or Flight - to prepare for an attack by a beast or band of warriors . . . has stuck around Reaction to Stress

Stress Coping Strategies Defensive(Ignoring Stress) Active(Dealing with Stress) Denial – a person decides an event is not really a stressor. Intellectualization – person analyzes situation from an emotionally detached viewpoint. Failing to deal with an actual stressor can have damaging results. Hardiness – commit to the challenge of controlling stress. Controlling Stressful Situations – avoiding or spreading out the timing of stressors Problem Solving – confront stressor head-on with rational analysis. Explanatory Style – explaining a stressor either optimistically or pessimistically Relaxation – focus on clearing the mind and body of tension, producing “inner peace” Stress Coping Strategies

At your table, you’ll be given a few of the scenarios collected earlier in class. Discuss each, and devise a plan for the best coping strategy. Pick the most interesting scenario to share in class discussion. Coping with stress

What is the approach - approach conflict situation? Exit Slip