Final Presentation

Jennifer Emerson

What is stress?

Strain felt by somebody

Mental, emotional, or physical strain

Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms

Cognitive Symptoms • Memory problems

• Inability to concentrate

• Poor judgment

• Seeing only the negative

• Anxious thoughts

• Constant worrying

Emotional Symptoms •Moodiness

•Irritability or short temper

•Agitation, inability to relax

•Feeling overwhelmed

•Sense of loneliness and isolation

•Depression or general unhappiness

Physical Symptoms Aches and pains

Diarrhea or constipation

Nausea, dizziness

Chest pain, rapid heartbeat

Loss of sex drive

Frequent colds

Behavioral Symptoms Eating more or less Sleeping too much or to little Isolating yourself from others Procrastinating or neglecting

responsibilities Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to

relax Nervous habits

Ways to Manage Stress The Four A’s

Change the situation:

Avoid the Stressor

Alter the Stressor

Change your reaction:

Adapt to the stressor

Accept the stressor

Avoid unnecessary stress

Learn how to say “no”

Avoid people who stress you out

Take control of your environment

Avoid hot button topics

Pare down your to-do list

Alter the situation

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up

Be willing to compromise

Be more assertive

Manage your time better

Adapt to the Stressor

Reframe problems

Look at the big picture

Adjust your standards

Focus on the positive

How you think can have a huge effect on emotional and physical well-being

Accept the things you can’t change

Don’t try to control the uncontrollable

Look for the upside

Share your feelings

Learn to forgive

•Spend time in nature •Go for a walk •Call good friend •Sweat out tension with good workout •Write in journal •Take long bath •Light scented candles

•Savor a cup of coffee or tea •Play with a pet •Work in your garden •Get a massage •Curl up with a good book •Listen to music •Watch a comedy

Adopt a Healthy lifestyle

Exercise regularly

Eat a healthy diet

Reduce caffeine and sugar

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs

Get enough sleep

• Pain of any kind

• Heart disease

• Digestive problems

•Sleep problems

•Depression

•Obesity

•Auto immune diseases

•Skin conditions, such as eczema

Any Questions?