Stress

-is the way human beings react both physically and mentally to changes, events, and situations
in their lives.
-People experience stress in different ways and for different reasons.
-The reaction is based on your perception of an event or situation.
-If you view a situation negatively, you will likely feel distressed—overwhelmed, oppressed, or
out of control.
Stressors
A stressor is a stimulus with the potential for triggering the fight or flight response. The
stressors for which our bodies were evolutionarily trained were threats to our safety
(Greenberg, 2010).
-environmental

 toxins, heat, cold

- psychological

 threats to self-esteem, depression

-sociological

 unemployment, death of a loved one

-philosophical

 use of time, purpose in life

GENERAL STRESS SYNDROME COMPONENTS

1. The alarm stage
It represents a mobilization of the body’s defensive forces. The body is preparing for the “flight
or flight” syndrome.
This involves a number of hormone and chemical excreted at high levels, as well as an increase
in heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration, and perspiration rate, among others.
2. The stage of resistance
The body becomes adaptive to the challenge and even begins to resist it. The length of this
stage of resistance is dependent upon the body’s innate and stored adaptation energy reserves
and upon the intensity of the stressor.
Just as any machine wears out even if it has been properly maintained, the same thing happens
with living organisms- sooner or later they become the victim of this constant wear and tear
process.
3. The exhaustion stage
The body dies because it has used up its resources of adaptation energy. Thankfully, few people
ever experience this last stage.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
1. Take a deep breath
2. Tense-Release
3. Mindfulness
4. Guided Imagery
5. Nutrition
6. Massage
7. Laugh
8. Gardening
9. Getting a haircut
10. Exercise
11. Sleep