STRESS

WHAT IS STRESS?

• Stress is the body and mind's reaction to everyday pressures and threats
• Your perception of an event equates to how much stress you experience

TYPES OF sTRESS

• There are two types of stress: eustress and distress
• People tend to think that stress is negative. This is not true!
• Stress can be positive or negative

EUSTRESS

• Eustress is positive stress which helps people meet their goals
• Ex: spending extra hours after school to study in order to get an "A" in your physics class.

DISTRESS

• Distress is negative stress which can cause too much pressure and trauma in one's life
• Ex: finding a job after college

EFFECTS OF STRESS

• Stress can give a negative impact on your body if it's chronic
• Weakens the immune system (more susceptible to illness)
• Increases blood pressure
• Emotional instability
• Shuts down body functions that are considered "not necessary at this moment". Example: ovulation

MUCH MORE DAMAGE

• It effects all sorts of body systems:
• Cardiovascular System- hypertension, atherosclerosis
• Immune System- the ability to fight infections decreases
• Digestive System- diarrhea, irritable bowels, loss of appetite
• Nervous System-"fight or flight" response activated. Can cause "wear and tear".
• Endocrine System- hormone levels skyrocket and go haywire. Discontinues other functions such as ovulation. Weight also becomes inconsistent.

HOW TO COPE

• There are many ways to cope with stress!
• By "de-stressing", it gives your body time to heal and rejuvenate.

HEALTHY WAYS:

• Here's a list of ways to deal with stress
• Exercising
• Eating nutritious meals
• Get 7-10 hours of sleep (don't be afraid to take a power nap!)
• Have a support system
• Listen to music and relax
• And much more!

REMEMBER...

• It's okay to experience stress, but it shouldn't become chronic
• Talk to someone like a counselor to ways you could cope with your stress such as time management.