This powerpoint covers the "basics" about stress and its affect on the human body.

1. Handling StressHandling Stress
© Lisa Michalek

2. StressStress
 AA physical, social, or mentalphysical, social, or mental event orevent or
condition that requires us to cope with acondition that requires us to cope with a
given situation.given situation.
 Stressor: the “thing” that caused theStressor: the “thing” that caused the
reaction.reaction.

3. Eustress vs DistressEustress vs Distress
 EustressEustress –– positive stressorspositive stressors that allowsthat allows
for personal growth and satisfactionfor personal growth and satisfaction
 GettingGetting marriedmarried
 StartingStarting schoolschool
 Beginning aBeginning a jobjob
 Making newMaking new friendsfriends
 Learning a newLearning a new skillskill

4. Eustress vs DistressEustress vs Distress
 Distress – negative stressDistress – negative stress that is causedthat is caused
by events that cause stress and strainby events that cause stress and strain
 FinancialFinancial problemsproblems
 DeathDeath of a loved oneof a loved one
 AcademicAcademic difficultiesdifficulties
 BreakupBreakup of a relationshipof a relationship

5. Response to StressResponse to Stress
 Fight-or-FlightFight-or-Flight
 when our bodies go on the alert to eitherwhen our bodies go on the alert to either
fight or escapefight or escape
 A sudden burst ofA sudden burst of
energyenergy andand strengthstrength
 The heartThe heart speedsspeeds up,up,
breathingbreathing increasesincreases,,
bloodblood pressurepressure
elevates,elevates, sugarsugar isis
released intoreleased into
the blood.the blood.

6. Stress and Your HealthStress and Your Health
 Greater risk forGreater risk for heart diseaseheart disease
 Can decreaseCan decrease immunityimmunity to diseaseto disease
 Can cause negativeCan cause negative mentalmental reactionsreactions

7. Stress ReducersStress Reducers
 AssessAssess stressorsstressors
 ChangeChange reactionsreactions toto
stressstress
 Learn toLearn to copecope
 ExerciseExercise
 RelaxRelax
 EatEat HealthyHealthy
 ManageManage timetime
 Reduce stressesReduce stresses

8. Other TechniquesOther Techniques
 HypnosisHypnosis – focus on one– focus on one
thought, object, or voicethought, object, or voice
 MassageMassage TherapyTherapy
 MeditationMeditation – focus on deep– focus on deep breathingbreathing
 BiofeedbackBiofeedback – monitoring of– monitoring of
physicalphysical responses to stressresponses to stress
 SupportSupport GroupsGroups