STRESS
WHAT IS STRESS? PRESSURE-Physical vs. Mental
Demands/ability to meet demands (expectations)-feeling overwhelmed
Parent expectations/Teacher expectations/Friendship expectations
Perceived/Imaginary vs. Real
Moving-Divorce/Death/Family-Friendship Changes/Loss of anything/
Injury/Illness/New sibling-parent-friend/Abuse-Physical/Verbal
Family financial problems/Girlfriend-Boyfriend "break-ups"
Trauma-Natural Disasters: Hurricanes-Tornados-Floods-Volcanic
Eruptions-Lightning-Hail Storms-Auto Accidents
(Heat Stroke/Hypothermia)
SIGNS OF STRESS
*Physical (Immune System-colds/flu/disease)
Fatigue/Nervous Stomach/Headaches/Bed Wetting/Teeth Grinding
Crying/Dizziness
*Emotional
Irritability/Anxiety/Sadness/Depression/Loneliness/Withdrawal
*Behavioral/Social
Excessive TV watching/video-computer game playing/poor eating
Habits/Nightmares/Fidgeting/Laziness/Lack of self-control/Regression
Disorganization/Forgetfulness/Poor relationships/Over-reacting
Perfectionism/Shyness/Excessive Worry/Easily Embarrassed
MANAGING STRESS (Immunizations-shots/keep our immune system strong)
*Nutrition-eat right/take a multivitamin daily-vitamins/minerals
*Water-drink 8-8 oz. Glasses daily (64 oz. Daily)
*Exercise-running/biking/swimming/aerobics/yoga/martial arts/dance
*Stress Diary (Self-Talk) Tae-Bo (Stress Test-Treadmill)
*Talk about Stress 1-Aerobic 2-Stretching/Flexibility
*Music/Art (other hobbies) 3-Strength Training
*Sleep-8-10 hours each evening/naps
*Work on Self-Esteem/Assertiveness
*Handle Peer-Pressure/Criticism (Acceptance/Popularity-strong motivation)
*Relaxation Techniques-
Breathing/Meditation/Biofeedback/Hypnosis/Massage
*Beliefs about Stress/Stressful Situations-Attitude (Optimism vs. Pessimism)
*Laughter/Sense of Humor
*Pets
*Spiritual/Religious
*Medical/Drugs-only take prescriptions by medical doctor (Valium)
*Avoid stressful situations (crowded situations, etc.)
Inappropriate ways to manage stress
*smoking
*alcohol/drug use (self-medication)
*too much caffeine-too much sugar
*overeating/malnutrition-anorexia/bulimia
*obsessing/ruminating
*addictions to gambling/shopping (spending)/etc.
*phobias (fear of …)
