Did You Know… Distress – Causes anxiety or concern – Is perceived as outside of our coping abilities – Feels unpleasant – Decreases performance – Can lead to adverse health effects – Examples of stressors: death of a loved one, unemployment, financial problems Eustress – Motivates, focuses energy – Is perceived as within our coping abilities – Feels exciting – Improves performance – Can improve overall well- being – Examples of stressors: starting a new job, getting married, having a child There are two types of stress:

Negative Effects of Stress on the Body Fatigue Weight Gain/Loss Ulcers Irregular Sleep Patterns Sexual Frustration Headaches Irregular Heartbeats

Six Dimensions of Wellness that can Help Reduce Negative Stress Spiritual Intellectual Emotional Physical Social/ Interpersonal Environmental Wellness

Ways to Avoid/ Minimize Stress Avoiding negative people Don’t take on too much Keep an agenda or to-do list Prioritize Maintain 6-8 hours of sleep Avoid or minimize procrastination Exercise Eat balanced diet Meditate Venting or talking to people/counselors * Drinking or using drugs is not a healthy way of coping with stress

Help! I can’t manage my stress! Take a break! When you feel overwhelmed, remember to calm down and take a break from what ever you are doing. There are resources at UNC Charlotte! Speak to a counselor – 704 ‑ 687 ‑ 0311 –