feel threatened or pressure. Caused by any kind of demand, to which we must adapt, adjust, or respond. Body’s automatic way of reacting to changes, challenges, and demands placed on us. Anxiety Pressure Misery Strain Desperation Tension Anger Panic Dejection 1. Everyday frustrations cause stress build-up - A series of stressful and frustrating experiences throughout the day can cause you to lie awake at night in an emotional turmoil-unable to get needed rest. - Stress build-up if not resolved continues day after day. 2. Problems in our personal life - More serious stressful circumstances may include separation from loved ones, personal illness, or illness of a loved one, death of someone you care about, or conflict with a spouse or close friend. - Managing your personal finances can be another stressful experience. 3. Dealing with life’s transitions - Common cause of stress - The move, a new career, and a change in family relationships may cause excessive stress Determine what causes you to “lose your cool” by doing this activity. Write the factors that causes you stress. Choose from the stressors below: ___being late ___too much homework ___speaking in public ___babysitting ___going to the dentist ___arguments with friends ___parents fighting ___getting detention ___your job ___taking tests ___video games ___using a computer ___restrictions at home ___chores ___lack of sleep ___pimples ___Physical education class ___math class ___english class ___science class ___boredom ___rude people ___no money ___no transportation ___playing on a sports team ___not being included in a sports team ___losing valuables ___closed-in spaces ___interruptions while busy ___getting an injection ___arguments with parents ___fight with boyfriend/girlfriend ___loud people ___baby crying ___a friend betray you ____others ____________ Your stress response is the collection of physiological changes that occur when you face a perceived threat – when you face situations where you feel the demands outweigh your resources to successfully cope. These situations are known as stressors. 1. Having memory problems 2. Being unable to concentrate 3. Having poor judgment 4. Seeing only the negative 5. Being anxious 6. Worrying constantly 1. Moodiness 2. Irritability or short temper 3. Agitation or restlessness 4. Feeling of being overwhelmed 5. Sense of loneliness and isolation 6. Depression or unhappiness 1. Body aches and pains 2. Diarrhea or constipation 3. Nausea and dizziness 4. Chest pain 5. Rapid heartbeat 6. Frequent colds 1. Eating more or less 2. Sleeping too much or too little 3. Isolating yourself from others 4. Procrastinating 5. Neglecting responsibilities 6. Doing different vices 7. Having nervous habits such as nail biting and pacing restlessly ATTITUDE – plays a key role in coping successfully with stress According to Santrock (2012), coping involves managing difficult situations and exerting efforts to solve your problems. 1. Understand the causes of your stress. 2. Analyze your stress factors and write them down. 3. Deal with the stressors. 4. Learn to work under pressure or unusual conditions. Stop for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Do a relaxing exercise. Swing your hands at your sides and stretch Take a “power nap”. Find time to do the things you enjoy. Leave your study area for a while to take a brisk walk. Find a quiet place to read a magazine or novel during break or at lunch. If possible, look at some peaceful images such as forests, beaches, etc. Keep something humorous on hand, such as book of jokes Look up. 1. Emotional stability 2. Being tactful 3. Doing well in school 4. Learning to say “no” STRESS SURVIVAL KIT