The Truth About Stress

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The Truth About Stress

• The time to relax is when you dont have time
  for it.
• Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

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What is stress?

• The bodys response to any demand or pressure.
• Stress is the emotional and physical strain
  caused by our response to pressure from the
  outside world.

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Stressors

• Term used for the demands and pressures from the
  outside world that result in stress.
• Stressors are different for everyone.
• They may include major life events (a divorce),
  chronic strains (living on unemployment), or
  occasional strains (caring for a sick child).
• All require the body to adapt and make changes.

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Is stress ever good?

• Yes- this kind of stress is called Eustress
• This is stress that enhances function and has
  positive outcomes
• For example stress that stimulates a scientists
  thinking or an artists creative energy.

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The stress to avoid Distress

• Distress is persistent stress that is not
  resolved.
• During distress the body experiences
  physiological changes.
• For example increased heart beat, burst of
  energy, muscle tension.

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Distress continued.

• Distress causes high levels of stress to
  continue, which leads to exhaustion, causing
  damage to the persons physical and emotional
  well being.
• For example Constant overload at work can cause
  high levels of stress to continue over a long
  period of time.
• Distress Exhaustion Damage
  

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Eustress or Distress?

• The difference between experiences that result in
  eustress or distress depends on the individual
  and how he or she perceives that situation.
• Both are Distressed

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Physical Effects

• Headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Back/ neck aches
• Stomach problems
• Colds
• Shoulder pain

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Emotional Effects

• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Nervousness
• Depression
• Worrying
• Tension
• Mood swings
• Easily discouraged
• Crying spells
• Irritability

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Mental Effects

• Forgetfulness
• Poor concentration
• Low productivity
• Negative attitude
• Confusion
• Low creativity
• Lethargy
• Boredom

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Social Effects

• Isolation
• Loneliness
• Lashing out
• Clamming up
• Lowered sex drive
• Nagging
• Few contacts with friends

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Major signs of a serious problem with stress

• Persistent intense depression
• Chronic sleeping and eating
• Inability to concentrate
• Outbursts of violence
• Persistent family conflict
• Excessive drinking or drug use
• If unattended stress can seriously damage
  physical health, psychological well-being, and
  relationships with family, friends, and
  coworkers.

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How to Reduce Stress Stress is inevitable,
however there are a few strategies that can help
reduce your stress level.

• Work on time management skills
• Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours)
• Avoid excessive caffeine and other stimulants
• Avoid overload- Learn to say No
• Take time each day for yourself.

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Tips for Dealing with Stress(at work)

• Deep breathing
• Whole body tension
• Shoulder shrugs
• Head rolls
• Take a quiet walk on your lunch break

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Tips for Dealing with Stress(at home)

• Meditation Yoga
• Exercise Tai chi
• Take a nap
• Do something you enjoy- read, play sports, watch
  a funny movie, relax at the beach, etc.

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Samantha J. Hirth
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Resources

• www.cdc.gov/nasd