Stress

1. Stress

2. Outline 2 Stress Levels of stress Stages of stress Causes of stress Effects of stress Stress Management

3. Definition 3 The mind or body’s response to real/imagined threats/changes/events. Stress stimulants: stressors Internal: nutrition, health and fitness levels, emotional well-being and sleep. External : physical environment, job, home and relationships.

4. Levels of stress 4 Eustress : positive/pleasant/curative; motivates action for accomplishments Distress: negative; negative reaction to daily activities

5. Stages of stress

6. Alarm stage 6 Primary stage Threat encounter – nervous system sends urgent signals to brain Body parts and functions coordinate to fight back or flee Example: accident

7. Resistance stage 7 No relief from alarm, energy drops Urge to fight – hastiness, impatience and exasperation Cutting short of sleep Indications: weariness, exhaustion, anxiety and forgetfulness Prone to colds and influenza

8. Exhaustion stage 8 Completely tired and drained Hatred towards life System breakdown and mental disequilibrium Result: heart diseases, blood pressure and ulcers

9. symptoms of stress

10. Cognitive symptoms 10 Inability to concentrate Memory problems Pessimism Anxiety Constant worrying

11. Emotional symptoms 11 Irritability/moodiness Agitation/inability to relax Overwhelmed Loneliness/isolation Depression/unhappiness

12. Physical symptoms 12 Aches/pains Diarrhea/constipation Nausea/dizziness Accelerated pulse rate Frequent colds

13. Behavioural Symptoms 13 Eating more/less Sleeping too much/little Isolation Procrastination Substance abuse Nervousness – nail-biting, pacing

14. Internal: Uncertainties Pessimism Negating self-talk Unrealistic expectations Lack of assertiveness P erfectionism External: Life changes Work Relationship problems Financial issues Hectic schedule Illness Causes of stress 14

15. Effects of stress

16. Eating too much/little Food cravings Sudden anger outbursts Substance abuse Increased tobacco consumption Alienation Frequent crying Relationship problems Behaviour 16

17. Anger Anxiety Burnout Depression Insecurity Forgetfulness Irritability Inability to concentrate Restlessness Sadness Fatigue Thoughts/emotions 17

18. Sweat Body/chest pain Cramps/muscle spasms Fainting Headache Heart diseases Hypertension [High BP] Immunity loss Muscular aches Nail biting Nervous twitches Pins and needles Sleeping difficulties Upset stomach Body 18

19. Exercise Assertiveness Caffeine/alcohol/drugs Nutrition Time management Talk Seek professional assistance Practice relaxation techniques Stress management 19

20. References 20 http:// www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm   http:// www.medicinenet.com/stress/article.htm http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145855.php http://www.jacobgan.com/Stress/Stages-of-Stress.html