1. WHAT IS STRESS? BY: STEPHANIE DESMARAIS OCTOBER 2012

2. DEFINITION OF STRESS: The way our body responds to the demands put on us by the environment, relationships, and our own thoughts and perceptions of what is going on around us. Mental, emotional, or physical strain or tension. Stress is your body’s physical and emotional reaction to circum- stances that frighten, irritate, confuse, endanger or excite you etc. the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

3. GOOD STRESS VS. BAD GOOD: Pushes you to complete a task or do something Motivates you… Pushes you outside your comfort zone so you can accomplish things you never thought you could BAD: Gets in the way and may prevent you from completing tasks or getting stuff done Puts extra demands on your mind and body making it hard to accomplish anything

4. SYMPTOMS & SIGNS OF STRESS: Head and body aches (back pain, chest pain etc.) Upset Stomach Increased heart rate Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep Sleeping too much Anxiety, worrying, irritability Forgetfulness / Lack of focus Eating too much or too little Relationship conflicts Restlessness Different emotional responses (sadness, anger, outbursts etc.)

5. WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT STRESS: Stress is normal Stress is a part of our daily lives Stress can be toxic or traumatic, and may interfere with our ability to cope with certain situations The way we respond to stress may be influenced by knowing ways to manage stress and the use of different coping strategies (The Psychology Foundation of Canada)