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WHAT IS STRESS ? 1/2
Stress is the “wear and tear” our mind and body
experiences as we attempt to cope with the
continuously changing environment
I HATE THIS
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STRESS FEELINGS
Worry
Tense
Tired
Frightened
Depressed
Anxious
Anger
Hey when
will this stop?
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Physical Stress: It is most common in human
beings caused by heavy work pressure or illness,
(no time to relax) which prevents us to work up
to our potential.
Concept of Stress 1/2
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Psychological Stress: There are several reasons
associated with psychological stress like family
problems, strenuous relationship at work place,
monotony in job, role ambiguity and conflict, less
wages and benefits, emotional break up etc.
Concept of Stress 2/2
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Stressors
They are defined as the external demands of life or
the internal attitudes and thoughts that require an
individual to adapt ….
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EXTERNAL STRESSORS
Physical Environment
Social Interaction
Organisational
Major Life Events
Daily Hassles
Who has made this?
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INTERNAL STRESSORS
Lifestyle choices
Negative self - talk
Mind traps
Personality traits
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Types of Stress 1/2
Eustress
Healthy essential stress produced, for example, by
joy, or by any other kind of positive impulse,
sensible recreational activities, sports, hobbies etc.
The word eu is derived from Greek which means
good. Therefore Eustress in literary sense means
good stress.
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Distress
It is synonymous with morbidness, stressthat has to be controlled e.g. continuousmental or physical strain of any kind, anger,frustration and states of tension seeminglywithout hope.
Types of Stress 2/2
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ALARM STAGE
As you begin to experience a stressful event or
perceive something to be stressful psychological
changes occur in your body. This experience or
perception disrupts your body’s normal balance
and immediately your body begins to respond to
the stressor(s) as effectively as possible.
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EXAMPLES
Cardiac - increased heart rate
Respiratory - increased respiration
Skin - decreased temperature
Hormonal - increased stimulation of
adrenal genes which produce an adrenal
rush.
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RESISTANCE STAGE
During this stage your body tries to cope or
adapt to the stressors by beginning a process of
repairing any damage the stressor has caused.
Your friends, family or co-workers may notice
changes in you before you do so it is important
to examine their feedback to make sure you do
not reach overload.
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EXAMPLES
Behavior indicators include: lack of enthusiasm
for family, school, work or life in general,
withdrawal, change in eating habits, insomnia,
hypersomnia, anger, fatigue.
Cognitive Indicators include: poor problem
solving, confusion, nightmares, hyper-vigilance.
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EXHAUSTION STAGE
During this stage the stressor is
not being managed effectively
and the body and mind are not
able to repair the damage.
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EXAMPLES
Digestive disorders, withdrawal, headaches,
tension, insomnia, loss of temper.
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SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
Physical symptoms
Mental symptoms
Behavioural symptoms
Emotional symptoms
I am tired
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PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Sleep pattern changes
Fatigue
Digestion changes
Headaches
Aches and pains
Infections
Indigestion
Dizziness
Fainting
Sweating & trembling
Tingling hands & feet
Breathlessness
Palpitations
Missed heartbeats
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MENTAL SYMPTOMS
Lack of concentration
Memory lapses
Difficulty in making decisions
Confusion
Disorientation
Panic attacks
I can’t remember
Where is the file?
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BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS
Appetite changes - too much or too little
Eating disorders
Increased intake of alcohol & other drugs
Increased smoking
Restlessness
Fidgeting
Nail biting
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EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Depression
Impatience
Fits of rage
Tearfulness
Deterioration of personal hygiene and
appearance
Nothing is
right
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Optimal Level of Stress
Everyone is different, with unique
perceptions of, and reactions to, events.
There is no single level of stress that is
optimal for all people. Some are more
sensitive owing to experiences in childhood,
the influence of teachers, parents and
religion etc.
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ABC STRATEGY 2/3
B = BALANCE
There is a fine line between positive / negative
stress
How much can you cope with before it
becomes negative ?
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ABC STRATEGY 3/3
C = CONTROL
What can you do to help yourself combat the
negative effects of stress ?
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Stress Management Techniques
Change your thinking
Change your behaviour
Change your lifestyle
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Alternatives
Conventional Medicine
Counselling & psychotherapy
Relaxation
Meditation
Massage
Yoga
Music
Movies
Long drive
Gardening
Reiki
Anger Management
Time Management
Money Management
Many more………….
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Remember
“Stress is minimal among those
who look upon problems as
opportunities to overcome
adversity and to gain new
experience”