Dealing with Stress

What Is Stress?
The term "stress" was first used by the scientist Hans Selye in the 1930s. Stress is a feeling of tension that we experience. If we have too much stress then we need to make changes - perhaps there is too much of something in our life (e.g. too much work) or too little of something (e.g. too little fruits and vegetables). The signs of stress may be physical, emotional, or behavioral.

Physical Symptoms
headaches, stomach aches, dizziness, back pain, jaw pains, neck stiffness, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, weakness, nausea, indigestion, cold hands or feet, inability to sleep, chest pains, skin problems, increased heart rate, rapid or difficult breathing, frequent urination, heartburn, constant fatigue

Emotional Symptoms
mood changes, lack of concentration, depression, anxiety, anger, irritability, confusion, helplessness, restlessness, racing thoughts, aggressiveness

Behavioral Symptoms
smoking, nail biting, tapping, pulling hair, grinding teeth, use of alcohol, use of medication, nervous laughter, pacing, lateness, putting things off, not caring about appearance, compulsive dieting, overeating

To Effectively Decrease Stress
Focus on these three domains: utilize a variety of activities for mind, attitude and physical body - walking, swimming, hiking, biking, socializing, talking to a counselor, reading, going to the movies, smiling, playing nintendo, playing a board or card game ...

Dealing with Stress Choose the best answer. 1. If we have too much stress then we probably need to? read the dictionary do nothing make changes 2. Too much of something can cause stress? False True 3. Too little of something can cause stress? True False 4. The three catergories for responses to stress are: physical, emotional and ___________ musical behavioral 5. Three physical responses to stress are: singing, surfing, skating headaches, rapid breathing, weakness 6. Four emotional responses to stress are: depression, confusion, restlessness, helplessness sweating, vomiting, chewing gum, reading comics 7. Four behavioral responses to stress are: nausea, dizziness, stomach ache, cramps smoking, pacing, tapping, use of medication 8. To effectively deal with stress do nothing procrastinate (put things off) engage in a variety of activities Press when complete. Your score: