1. Dealing with Stressors

2. Identify the Stressor Fighting parents Fighting parents Divorce Divorce Death Death A new baby in the house A new baby in the house Breaking up with or getting a new boyfriend/girlfriend Breaking up with or getting a new boyfriend/girlfriend The oil light going on in your car The oil light going on in your car Having an argument with someone Having an argument with someone Losing your keys Losing your keys Passing a police car when you are speeding Passing a police car when you are speeding Vacation Vacation Receiving an award Receiving an award

3. Identify your control over the stressor Is the stressor from an outside source? Is the stressor from an outside source? –A death –Parents fighting Is the stressor a result of a choice we made? Is the stressor a result of a choice we made? –How fast you drive –How well you take care of your car –Not having enough money to go to the mall

4. Can you eliminate the stressor? Examples: Examples: –Don’t drive fast –Take better care of your car –Don’t spend so much money If you cannot eliminate the stress, then build your skills to deal with it If you cannot eliminate the stress, then build your skills to deal with it

5. Finding the source of your stress Biology test today, teacher just told you about it when you walked in the door? Biology test today, teacher just told you about it when you walked in the door? Biology test today, teacher told you about it 2 days ago. You are not prepared because you did not study. You have been watching TV every night this week. Biology test today, teacher told you about it 2 days ago. You are not prepared because you did not study. You have been watching TV every night this week.

6. Ways to Relieve Stress

7. Sleep consistently Sleep consistently –Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time –Use sleep techniques if you can’t fall asleep –Refrain from caffeine

8. Eat right Eat right Drink plenty of water Drink plenty of water Exercise lightly or rigorously Exercise lightly or rigorously

9. Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages –If we use alcohol and drugs to make stress go away we will lose our ability to feel good naturally…addiction

10. BREATHE!!! BREATHE!!! Scream…preferably in a pillow Scream…preferably in a pillow Don’t over worry about things you can’t control Don’t over worry about things you can’t control Be decisive Be decisive

11. Put worries into perspective Put worries into perspective –Will this affect you in 10 years from now? –If so…how will you get past it Determine what’s important in your life and keep focused Determine what’s important in your life and keep focused

12. Find a hobby to help take your mind off of your problems Find a hobby to help take your mind off of your problems Surround yourself with people that make you a better person Surround yourself with people that make you a better person Do not live to regret Do not live to regret

13. Listen to relaxing music Listen to relaxing music Listen to upbeat music Listen to upbeat music

14. LAUGH!!! Laughter releases endorphins, which… Laughter releases endorphins, which… MAKE US HAPPY!

15. Remember!!! Remember!!! –Only you are in charge of your mood!