STRESS Management

1. STRESS Management Presented By: David Vargas, Kim Mitchell, Heather Dacy Jessica Abruzzino and Alisha Bright

2. Background Information • Target Population: College Freshman • Setting: Preview • Place: University of Florida • Age: About 18-20 • Chapter: 9 • Title: Managing Stress • Lesson: 3

3. STRESS!! • Defined as how one’s body reacts to change. • These changes can be the result of feelings, situations or people. • What do you think of when you hear the word “stress”?

4. A Stress Poem Looks like the Devil Sounds like a screaming child Tastes like mouldy chocolate Smells like “gorilla” armpits Feels like hitting your elbow Stress is Bad! Bad! Bad! By: Francesca (Year 5 in Potley Hill Primary School)

5. Another Stress Poem Looks like the darkness of the far beyond Sounds like a radio squealing Smells like sweaty blistered feet Tastes like a rotten scrambled egg Stress is having a blistering headache By: Frances (Year 5 Potley Hill Primary school)

6. STRESSORS • A “stressor” is any event that provokes stress -These events cover a wide range of situations • What are stessors for you?

7. Bad Stress vs. Good Stress • What Makes Stress Good or Bad? • Distress= Bad Stress -This is the stress that most people define as worry, tension and pressure • Eustress=Good stress -Think about stress of deadlines and competition that force us to do our best -Without this type of stress life would be very dull

8. STRESS OVERLOAD! • Fight or Flight Response -This is the body’s natural reaction to stress. -The body goes through physical changes that take place to prepare you for the pressures of the moment. -Think fast heart beat, pulse and sweating • When Does It Become “Overload” -When pressures become too frustrating and last for long periods of time it can be harmful to your well-being

9. Signs of Stress Overload • It is important to learn to recognize signs of stress. • If you don’t it could lead to serious health problems! Mental -Can’t Concentrate -Forgetful -Drop in school performance -Unable to Study -Carelessness Emotional -Bored -Anger Outbursts -Nightmares -Depresses -Scared -Withdrawn Physical -Headaches -Nervous -Rashes -Stomachache -Fast Pulse -Perspiration

10. Stress-Induced Illness • Stress disturbs your body balance • As your body remains disturbed maintaining health becomes more difficult. • In some cases stress overload can lead to unhealthy behavior, serious illness or even death • Some of these illnesses include…………..

11. Specific Stress Conditions • High Blood Pressure -Stress raises your blood pressure • Headaches -A stress-headache results from the constant contraction of head and neck muscles.

12. Specific Stress Conditions • Asthma -Although stress does not actually cause the condition it can make it severely worse • Suppressed Immune Function • -Scientific research has shown that • prolonged stress can keep immune • system from functioning well.

13. Specific Stress Conditions • Psychosomatic Diseases -Psycho=mind Somatic=body -These are physical disorders resulting from stress rather than injury or illness -Examples include sleep disorders, skin disorders, stomach aches and digestive problems

14. How Can I Prevent Stress Overload? • Prevent overload by learning • which stress reduction • techniques work for you • Remember, this is a new skill • that requires practice to be • effective. • With a little effort stress • management can become • easier.

15. Stress Managment Techniques • Don’t Overschedule -If you’re feeling stretched consider cutting out an activity or two. • Be Realistic -Don’t try to be perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes from time to time.

16. More Techniques • Treat Your Body Right - Exercise. -Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of sleep -Abstain from bad habits

17. Fitness Center Hours • Southwest Recreation Center Monday – Friday 7am - 1 am(2am Fridays) Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 10pm  • Student Recreation & Fitness Center Monday - Friday 7  am – midnight Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 10 pm  • O'Connell Center Weight Room Monday - Friday 2:45 pm - 10 pm  Saturday 3 pm - 7 pm  Sunday 2 pm - 8 pm

18. More Techniques • Have A Positive Attitude -You can do this by changing your perception. -Try to view situations as a result of choice. This will improve your outlook and attitude. -Look for “pieces of gold”

19. More Techniques • Build Your Resilience -Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life • Have a Support Network -Talking to family and friends can help because it gives you a chance to express your feelings.

20. More Techniques • Remember to Have Fun -A good way to combat sadness, boredom, and loneliness is to seek out activities -Consider participating in a campus club. Visit the Student Activities Center located on the third floor of the Reitz Union.

21. More Techniques • Have a good laugh -Smiles and laughter can do wonders for the body and soul. • Have a good cry -Big boys and girls DO cry. -This can help you to release bottles up emotions.

22. More Techniques • Relaxation Techniques -The natural antidote to stress is the relaxation response. -This can be achieved in many ways - Learn breathing techniques and progressive muscle relaxation exercises.

23. Time Management • Four Steps to Improved Time Management 1. Create a semester schedule 2. Assess and plan your workload each week 3. Adjust your plan each day 4. Evaluate your schedule

24. Time Managment • Tips to Make Your Schedule Work -Identify your best time of day -Study difficult or boring subjects first -Use the same place to study every time -Avoid distractions -Use waiting time at the bus stop and in between classes -Treat school as a full-time job

25. Seeking Support • Student Health Care Center -www.health.ufl.edu/shcc -(352) 392-1161 • Counseling Center • -www.counsel.ufl.edu • -(352) 392-1575 • GatorWell • -www.shcc.ufl.edu/gatorwe../ • -(352) 392-1161

26. QUESTIONS?