Stress and How to Deal With It!

Kelli Jernigan

What is a stressor?

Levels of Stress

•Everyone experiences some level of stress. Some level of stress is good. It helps us do our best. But there is unhealthy stress, too. This can make us sick!

What you need to know!

Optimum Level

Physical signs of too much stress:

•Headaches

•Neck or backaches

• Increased sweating

•Tightness of chest

•Nervous stomach

• Inability to fall asleep

•Dry mouth

•Fatigue

•Can’t think clearly

Emotional & Behavioral Signs:

• Irritability

• Impatience

•Forgetfulness

•Negative thinking

•Loss of appetite or overeating

•Withdrawing from relationships

Loss of interest in normal activities

Restlessness

Inability to sleep

Worrying & Anxious over many things

Emotional & Behavioral Signs (continued):

What are some common stressors for your age group?

•Quizzes, tests, homework

•Relationships with friends

•Arguing with a sibling

•Being bullied by your peers

•Worrying about appearance

•Getting glasses or braces

•Getting in trouble at home or at school

Here are some...

People respond to stressors differently.

Finding a positive coping strategy that works best for you is very important.

Common positive coping strategies:

•Talk to a trusted adult, parent/guardian, teacher, counselor

•Time management skills

•Deep breathing

•Exercise

•Write in a journal

•Visualize yourself doing well

•Mental rehearsal

•Counting to ten before reacting

•Let’s click and watch how this strategy helps with stress!

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiaUV-OiBGE

Did the breathing help? If you feel more relaxed and calm, this

coping strategy worked for you!

1. List 3 PERSONAL stressors in YOUR life.

2. List positive coping strategies that you would like to try.

3. Describe the coping strategies you listed in number 2.

Keep your notes to review! Remember to talk about what you have learned today with a friend or your family!

I am so proud of each of you! Work on keeping stress under control! You can do it!