1. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Study Skills Topic 3 Managing Stress PowerPoint by JoAnn Yaworski

2. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. What is Stress?  Stress can be defined as a natural response to the expectations, demands, and challenges of life.  Things that cause stress are called “stressors.”

3. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Common Stressors  Major Life Changes  Academic Course Work  Job/Career  Relationships  Financial Problems  Lack of Sleep

4. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Examples of Stressors Include:  Start of a new job or career  Marriage  Divorce  Birth of a child  Death of a loved one  Start of college

5. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Responses to Stress  Positive response:  Use stress as a motivator.  Negative response:  Perceiving stress as a threat.  Stress interferes with ability to function mentally, emotionally, and physically.

6. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Symptoms of Stress Emotional Symptoms  Feeling rushed or mentally exhausted  Difficulty concentrating  Short-temperedness  Feeling listless, unfocused Physical Symptoms  Headaches  Fatigue  Queasiness or indigestion  Weight loss  Weight gain

7. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Reducing Stress  Accepting responsibility Do I agree that this task is necessary? Am I the right person to perform this task? Do I have the resources I need to succeed in this task?  Doing the best that you can How can I finish this assignment on time? How well can I do this assignment?  Focusing on the benefits How will I benefit from working this week-end

8. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Changing Your Habits to Reduce Stress (1)  Leave work problems at work.  Do not study during breaks at work.  Do not make work-related calls during breaks between classes.  Eliminate stress when thinking about tasks

9. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Changing Your Habits to Reduce Stress (2)  Control your own time.  Give yourself breaks.  Share concerns and problems with others.  Learn how to say “No.”  Help someone else out.  Get some exercise.

10. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Changing Your Habits to Reduce Stress (3)  Create routines to eliminate decision making.  Organize your living and study environments.  Be prepared for classes.  Seek the help of others when needed.  Work together with others.

11. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Eliminate Stress When Thinking about Tasks  Make a list of all tasks or concerns.  Decide which need to be done immediately.  Mark off those that can be done later.  Prioritize the tasks that need to be done immediately.  Determine how much time it will take to complete the most pressing task.  Take that much time to complete that task.

12. ©2003 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers. Visit the Longman Study Skills Web Site http://www.ablongman.com/studyskills