STRESS

OBJECTIVES

• Define stress
• Compare and contrast eustress v. distress
• Describe the body’s response to stress
• Identify common sources of stress
• List ways to manage stress
FACTS ABOUT STRESS

• Stress (or stress response)

• Automatic physical response of the body to any stimulus that requires you to
adjust to change
• Can be positive or negative (Eustress v. Distress)
• Stressor
• Source or cause of stress
• May be: physical, mental, social or environmental
EUSTRESS V. DISTRESS

• Eustress
• Helpful or productive response to a stressor
• Helps you perform better

• Distress
• Harmful or bad response to a stressor
• Upsets or makes you sick
HOW DOES YOUR BODY RESPOND TO STRESS?

• Pour adrenaline (a stimulant hormone) into the bloodstream

• Some effects include:
• Sweat released to cool extra body heat
• Ability to hear and see better
• Heart speeds up
• Blood flow increases
• Body releases endorphins to mask pain
HEALTH PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF
CHRONIC STRESS
• High blood pressure
• Increase likelihood of getting colds, infections, and cancer
• Rapid or irregular heart beat
• Muscle aches (especially in neck, shoulders, lower back)
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Sweating, trembling, and fatigue
SOURCES OF STRESS

• Life changes (i.e. death of family member, moving, etc.)

• Daily hassles (i.e. financial worries, long lines, misplacing item, etc.)
• School-related stress (i.e. quizzes/tests, homework, etc.)
• Social stress (i.e. change in relationships with friends/family, peer pressure,
etc.)
• Negative thought patterns (i.e. pessimistic thinking, self-criticism, etc.)
• Personality difficulties (i.e. unrealistic expectations, taking things too
personally, etc.)
WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS
• Manage time effectively
• Eat and drink healthy foods
• Exercise
• Seek social support
• Form healthy thought patterns
• Get enough sleep
• Listen to music
• Take time to yourself
• Try relaxation techniques,
meditation or yoga
• Take up a hobby
RELAXATION
STATIONS
OBJECTIVES

The student will be able to:

• Evaluate levels of stress before and after participating in the
relaxation stations
• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of each relaxation
station on their own stress level
EXPECTATIONS

• Have the remainder of the class period to participate in each of

the station
• MUST BE participating in a station
• Can spend more/less time at a station – your choice
STATIONS

• Station 1: Board Games

• Station 2: Card Games
• Station 3: Wii
• Station 4: Coloring
• Station 5: Puzzles/Reading
• Station 6: Make your own stress relief ball
STATION 6: MAKE YOUR OWN STRESS BALL

1. Stick the funnel into the neck of the balloon (can blow up
balloon slightly to stretch, but DO NOT leave inflated)
2. Fill the balloon slowly – you want to fill the balloon
approximately 2-3 inches
• Pour slowly to avoid clogging; use pencil to clear clog

3. Pinch excess air and tie closed