STRESS

TAKE THE STRESS TEST…

What is Stress? “A particular pattern of disturbing psychological and physiological reactions that occur when an environment threatens important motives and taxes one’s ability to cope” The ‘wear and tear’ our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment

Stress = Good or Bad? GOOD -everyone needs a little bit of stress in their lives -stress pumps us up, gives us energy and supplies a zest for living BAD -extreme stress -long term stress

The Causes of Stress In groups of 3-4, split one page of paper amongst you and divide it into two columns Create in one column a list of things that STRESS you out! Choose one person to present to the class

Causes of Stress 1. Emotional/Psychological Factors -academic pressure -peer pressure -new relationships 2. Hormonal Factors -changes to hormone levels -change to body creates stress -puberty causes changes and made lead to stress

Causes of Stress 3. Physical Factors -Illness -Self Image -Too many activities 4. Environmental Factors -social group changes -change in schools -change in living environment

Symptoms of Stress Problems concentrating Over-reacting Decreased performance Tired/mood swings Difficulty sleeping Increased heart rate/rapid breathing Alcohol/Drug Addiction

Our Body & Stress Neurotransmitters -send and receive messages b/w brain cells 2 Kinds 1. Happy – too much stress causes these to fail and are overtaken by… 2. Sad -- when lots = overstress

Our Body & Stress 3 Kinds of “Happy’ Messengers Serotonin – controls your “body clock” Noradrenalin – sets our energy levels Dopamine – controls endorphines

Our Body & Stress Stress Tolerance -amount of stress you can handle before your happy messengers begin to fail 10% of the pop. has inherited low stress tolerance…1/10 feels stress all the time

What DOESN’T help? Sugar – worsens overstress (sugar low) Alcohol – liver failure; increased violence Tobacco – lung, artery damage; cancer Caffeine – abnormal heart rhythm Illegal Drugs – convulsions, overdose…

How to lower your stress load? In your groups of 3-4, add some possible ways to deal with the stressful situations in your lives. Put your answers in the second column directly beside the “stressors”

Helpful Strategies Exercise – releases endorphines Relaxation Techniques Relax – “Relax, take each day at one time…you have the rest of your life to live” Time Management – make up a schedule Eat properly – vegetables, vitamins Define your sleeping hours…stick to them Youth should get between 7-9 hours a night! Talk to others – find someone to sit down with Take quiet time for yourself Grab your MP3 and hit the streets for a walk/run/bike

Don’t Let Stress Win…