Turn Stress into Success Derrick Doige, M.Ed. CCC Okanagan College
How Stressed Are You? Have students complete the stress assessment
Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. Dorothy Galyean
What stressors do College students face?
What are your Stressors?
But, Stressors do not = Stress What does create STRESS?
What Creates Stress? Current research findings suggest that the stress response is triggered not so much by the demands people face, but by their belief that they will not be able to handle those demands as well as they would like to. However…… Students work in groups and discuss stress. Have them create a definition of stress. Key points here are that there are certain things in life that everybody would find stressfull. For example, experiencing a car accident or a bank robbery. Losing a job or getting married are all stressful events. Then there are certain events that happen that some people find stressful and others don’t. It comes down to that person’s perspective as to how well they’ll be able to handle the situation.
Imagine if you were camping &
Stress Reaction Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic (gas), Parasympathetic (brake) Fight, Flight or Freeze Turns off other less crucial systems like the immune system etc… Survival mechanism If real danger, this is good… Always on the look out for danger
Stress Reaction often gets… Triggered when there isn’t a real danger Overstimulation of the sympathetic system can cause long term health problems. We often ignore or not aware of the reaction Out of touch with our bodies and thoughts
Not all Stress Bad for You
People are like guitar strings…
Quick Review Lots of stressors Stress reaction can help us survive Stress can improve performance Stress is more a result of a person’s belief that they can’t handle their stressors adequately Out of touch with our bodies and thoughts
Do You Know Where Your Mind Is?
Is it Lost….. Rehearsing the Future or Rehashing the Past?
Where is your Mind?
Turn Stress into Success! Acceptance Laughter Relaxation, Exercise, Sleep, Eat regularly and nutritiously & Time Management Live in the moment Mindfulness Breathing
Stress to Success…. Communication Skills Support Network Be mindful of the… “Itty Bitty Shitty Committee” Listen to your body (Stickers)
Grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change; the COURAGE to change the things I can; and the WISDOM to know the difference
How do You Handle Stress?