1.  Stress Management 101 By: Cory Thompson ASD Teacher (Maple Point Middle School)

2. Tonight’s presentation will address the following: Statistics Main causes of stress Definition of stress Potential stressors for a special educator Harmful side effects of stress Pro-active stress reduction strategies

3. Statistics:  According to the NEA (National Education Association) The National Commission on Teaching and America's Future proffers starker numbers, estimating that one- third of all new teachers leave after three years, and 46 percent are gone within five years.  According to the AIS (The American Institute of Stress) job stress carries a price tag for U.S. industry estimated at over $300 billion annually as a result of: ·Accidents ·Absenteeism ·Employee turnover ·Diminished productivity ·Direct medical, legal, and insurance costs ·Workers’ compensation awards as well as tort and FELA judgment

4. Main causes of stress: According to the American Institute of Stress:

5. Definitions of Stress According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, Stress can be defined as the following: A : a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation B : a state resulting from a stress; especially : one of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium

6. Potential stressors for a special educator  Writing I.E.P.s  Communicating with parents  Organizing I.E.P meetings  Progress reports  Managing staff  Lesson planning  Finding prep time  Due process  Deadlines  Case load numbers  Paperwork  Finding materials  Co-workers  Job security

7. Harmful side effects of stress Common effects of stress...... On your body... On your mood... On your behavior Headache Muscle tension or pain Chest pain Fatigue Change in sex drive Stomach upset Sleep problems Anxiety Restlessness Lack of motivation or focus Irritability or anger Sadness or depression Overeating or undereating Angry outbursts Drug or alcohol abuse Tobacco use Social withdrawal According to the Mayo Clinic stress can have the following effects:

8. Now it’s time to knock stress out!

9. Pro-active stress reduction strategies Daily Relaxation (Easy) Courtesy of the American Heart Association Deep breathing is a form of relaxation you can learn and practice at home using the following steps. It's a good skill to practice as you start or end your day. With daily practice, you will soon be able to use this skill whenever you feel stress. 1. Sit in a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap or lie down. Close your eyes. 2. Picture yourself in a peaceful place. Perhaps you're lying on the beach, walking in the mountains or floating in the clouds. Hold this scene in your mind. 3. Inhale and exhale. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply. 4. Continue to breathe slowly for 10 minutes or more. 5. Try to take at least five to 10 minutes every day for deep breathing or another form of relaxation.

10. Pro-active stress reduction strategies Daily Exercise (Medium) Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic  Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress- busting benefits.  It pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Although this function is often referred to as a runner's high, a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike also can contribute to this same feeling.  It improves your mood. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.

11. Pro-active stress reduction strategies Admitting that you need help (Extremely Difficult) Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic  If you're not sure if stress is the cause or if you've taken steps to control your stress but your symptoms continue, see your doctor. Your doctor may want to check for other potential causes.  Also, if you have chest pain, especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm, get emergency help immediately. These may be warning signs of a heart attack and not simply stress symptoms.

12. In Conclusion: No, stress management is not rocket science! Be sure to have a plan in place, and DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! You’re not alone!

13. Citations:  10 Things to Know About New Autism Data. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsautismdata/ 10 Things to Know About New Autism Data. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsautismdata/  Hammarley, J. (2014, February 7). Four Ways to Deal with Stress. Four Ways to Deal with Stress. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/FourWaysto DealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsp Hammarley, J. (2014, February 7). Four Ways to Deal with Stress. Four Ways to Deal with Stress. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/FourWaysto DealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsp  Kopkowski, C. (n.d.). Why They Leave. Rss. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.nea.org/home/12630.htm Kopkowski, C. (n.d.). Why They Leave. Rss. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.nea.org/home/12630.htm  Stress management. (n.d.). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress- management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987?pg=2 Stress management. (n.d.). Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior. Retrieved March 31, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress- management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987?pg=2