“Describe your life as a scholar”

What is stress?

 Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies

experience as we adjust to our continually
changing environment.
 Stress is the emotional and physical way in
which we respond to pressure.
 the body's reaction to a change that requires
a physical, mental or emotional adjustment
or response.
What is stress?

The mental and physical

response and adaptation by our
bodies to real or perceived
change and challenges
Where does stress come from?
 Stress can come from any situation or
thought that makes you feel frustrated,
angry, nervous, or anxious.

 Stress is caused by an existing stress-causing

factor or "stressor."
Where does stress come from?
Stressor – is any real or
perceived physical , social ,
psychological event that causes
our bodies to react or respond.
Tangible or Intangible
Where does stress come from?
 Psychosocial Stressor – refers to the factors
in our daily routines and in our socio-
physical environment that cause us to
experience stress.
 adjustment to change, hassles ( little
stressors, frustrations, petty annoyances)
relationships,academic/career pressure,
conflicts, environment
Factors that influence one’s
response to stress
 Characteristics of the stressor :
how traumatic, how to control,
frequency
 Biological
age, gender,
 Past experiences
consequences, response etc.
Sources of stress
Common External Causes
 major life changes
 Work
 relationship difficulties
 children / family
 too busy
 financial problems
Internal (self- generated)
 Perfectionism
 Inability to accept
uncertainty
 Unrealistic expectations
 Pessimism
 Negative self-talk
 Lack of assertiveness
 Symptoms of Stress
I. Cognitive Symptoms II. Physical symptoms :
 Memory problems  Aches and pains
 Inability to concentrate  Diarrhea or constipation
 Poor judgment  Nausea, dizziness
 Chest pain, rapid
 Seeing only the
heartbeat
negative
 Loss of sex drive
 Anxious or racing
 Frequent colds
thoughts
 Constant worrying
 Symptoms of Stress
III. Emotional Symptoms
 Moodiness
 Irritability or short
temper
 Agitation, inability to
relax
 Feeling overwhelmed
 Sense of loneliness and
isolation
 Depression or general
unhappiness
IV. Behavioral Symptoms
 Eating more or less
 Sleeping too much or too
little
 Isolating yourself from
others
 Procrastinating or
neglecting responsibilities
 Using alcohol, cigarettes,
or drugs to relax
 Nervous habits (e.g. nail
biting, pacing)
 Types of Stress
 Eustress  Distress
- positive stress - negative stress
- Presents opportunity for - Cause by events that
personal growth and result in debilitative
satisfaction tension and strain
- Improve health - financial problems,
death of a loved one,
academic concerns ,
etc….
- Physical/emotional
problems
Different Kinds of Distress
 Acute Stress
-short term physiological
response to an immediate
perceived threat
- major class presentation,
meeting a person for the
first time…..
 Episodic Stress
- The state of regularly
reacting with wild , acute
stress about one thing or
another
- The world is full “what
ifs”
- worrywarts
Different Kinds of Distress
 Chronic Stress
-on going state of physiological arousal
in response to ongoing or numerous
perceived threats.

(loss of a loved one after a long battle against an illness)

Different Kinds of Distress
 Traumatic Stress
 Is experienced when events such as
major accidents, war, shootings,
assault, natural disasters , occur and
maybe hurt a person or was able to
witness horrible things
What are the stages of stress?
General Adaptive Syndrome (GAS)
- internal fight to restore homeostasis in the
presence of a stressor. (Hans Selye)
Flight or Fight response –
Autonomic Nervous System – regulates body
functions
Sympathetic Nervous System – stress arousal
Parasympathetic NS – slowing systems
stimulated by stress response
What are the stages of stress?
Hypothalamus – controls the
Sympathetic NS and directs stress
response
Epinephrine – adrenaline
Cortisol – hormone that makes stored
nutrients more readily available
What are the stages of stress?
First Stage: ALARM

- Stressors disrupt
body’s stability
temporarily lowering resistance
What are the stages of stress?

Second Stage: RESISTANCE

- adaptation resources are mobilized to
fight stressors and the body maintains a
high level of resistance
What are the stages of stress?

Third Stage: EXHAUSTION

- The body runs out of adaptation energy stores for
adjusting to stressors and resistance drops below
normal
- Ability of the immune system to protect the body
from infectious diseases and other health threats
lowers.
Effects of Stress to our Health
A. Physical Effects -
- cardiovascular diseases
- alcohol dependence
- hairloss
- diabetes
- digestive problems
- impaired immunity
- memory and concentration
Effects of Stress to our Health
- Pain of any kind
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Obesity
- Skin conditions, such as eczema
Effects of Stress to our Health
B. Psychological Effects
- depression
- anxiety
- emotional dysfunction
- mental disability
Sources of Stress
 Coping with Stress
 SET SPECIFIC
GOALS &
PRIORITIES
 CHANGE THE WAY
YOU REACT TO
STRESSORS
 TAKE CONTROL OF
THE SITUATION
 DISCOVER NEW
RELAXATION
TECHNIQUES
 Tips to Avoid Stress
 Exercise regularly.

 Eat healthily.

 Get enough sleep.

 Think clearly and set realistic goals.

 Break down anxiety as early as possible if it

comes your way.

 Say “NO” to tasks you cannot take on.

 Tips to Avoid Stress
 Learn to divert NEGATIVITY things to
POSITIVITY.

 Practice positive visualization.

 Take time out for yourself.

 Like yourself! Accept your strengths and

weaknesses.

 Practice physical relaxation techniques.

 Sports massage.
 Homework
 By cleaners grouping

Prepare a 5 – minute stress releasing activity to be

presented to the class next meeting.