Lesson 1 Understanding

What is Stress?

• A Reaction– Body– Mind– Behavioral– Emotional

PERCEPTION

• Stressor….. Anything that causes stress– Real…– Imagined…

• Anticipated• Unexpected

–People, places, events and situations

• Alarm• Resistance• Fatigue

Page 94 fig. 4.2

Stress Management Skills

Use refusal Skills

Plan ahead

Think positively

Practice relaxation techniques

Redirect your energy

Seek support

Lesson 2 Managing Stress

•Get Adequate Rest•Get Regular Physical Activity

•Eat Nutritious Foods

Lesson 3 Coping with Loss and Grief

• Denial or Numbness• Emotional Release• Anger• Bargaining• Depression• Remorse• Acceptance………..closure• Hope

Coping with Death

• Mourning• Empathy (showing ways of support for

someone)– Help the person recall happy, positive memories– Be a sympathetic listener (silence, nodding of

head..a showing that your understand what the person is saying.)

– Don’t rush the grieving process.

Coping with Traumatic Events

• Traumatic event….any event that has a stressful impact sufficient to overwhelm your normal coping strategies.– Sudden and Shocking

• Accidents, violent assaults, suicides, natural disasters.

• Seek support from family members, friends and community groups and agencies to help you.

STRESSWARNING SIGNS

Signs of stress • Headaches • Irritability • Disrupted sleep patterns • High blood pressure • Stomachaches • Nausea • Loss of appetite • Boredom • Anger • Low self-esteem • Difficulty paying attention Don't let stress control your life - learn how to cope with it in positive ways. Pinpoint the stressors in your life

and deal with them head on. • Meditate: close your eyes, breathe deeply, and concentrate on one positive thought. • Talk about what's bothering you - don't hold it inside. • Learn how to manage your time, and don't forget to make time for yourself. • Make healthy eating choices. • Get enough sleep. Try to get 8.5 to 9 hours each night. • Drink plenty of water. • Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. • Exercise. Getting exercise helps rid your body of the extra stress and energy it has stored. • Relax. Make time for fun and laughter. Let the little things go.