2. STRESS DEFINED “We are a product of the choices we make, not the circumstances we face.” - Roger Crawford Several definitions of stress: Physical distress Psychological distress External pressures that create internal pressures Not in the event, but in our response to the event A bodily response – you can do something about it Feelings of powerlessness Intense pressure to perform

3. WORKPLACE STRESS Too much work, long hours or deadlines Working with the public Your boss or management Your co-workers or employees Type of work or job responsibilities Others No stress Most Stressful Part of the JobPercentage Affected 28% 25% 18% 15% 8% 5% 1%

4. WORKPLACE STRESS Experience 3 or more stress related conditions very or somewhat often. Feel their job is very or extremely stressful. Feel more pressure to prove their value to their employer because of the economy. Thought seriously about quitting their job because of workplace stress. Think they will burn out on the job in a year or two. Say their job is the single greatest cause of stress in their lives. Symptoms of StressPercentage Affected 72% 46% 40% 34% 27%

5. SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE STRESS Reluctance to get up Anxiety Depression Mood swings Aggression Headaches Ulcers Heart disease Sleeplessness Irritability Excessive worrying High blood pressure Appetite changes Drug/Alcohol use Frequent illness

6. TOP CAUSES OF STRESS S ocial Isolation – Don’t withdraw, find social support. T hinking Unrealistically – Make rational plans. R igid Body – Relax your body, breathe deeply. E motions Not Expressed – Be honest about your feelings S elf Neglect – Don’t overdo, get enough rest, etc. S ensory Overload – Take quiet time each day. BRAINSTORMING ACTIVITY Take 5 minutes to brainstorm things that can be done to alleviate stress.

7. COPING SKILLS Thought stopping Positive self-talk Creative problem solving 1. Cognitive (Thinking) Coping Skills: Time management Self care Communication skills 2. Behavioral Coping Skills: Journal writing Hobbies Prayer/Meditation Music Solitude 3. Spiritual Coping Skills: Refer to Student Workbook for: Personal Action Plan How to Tell if You’re a Stress-Prone Personality Organizational Role Stress Scale Refer to Student Workbook for: Personal Action Plan How to Tell if You’re a Stress-Prone Personality Organizational Role Stress Scale