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Stressing the Positive

Stressing the Positive. MCPS Employee Assistance Program. Outcomes. To identify personal stressors To understand the physiological impact of stress on our bodies and mind To learn and practice stress management techniques to cope more effectively with stress. Agenda. Opening Stressors

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Stressing the Positive

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  1. Stressing the Positive MCPS Employee Assistance Program

  2. Outcomes • To identify personal stressors • To understand the physiological impact of stress on our bodies and mind • To learn and practice stress management techniques to cope more effectively with stress

  3. Agenda • Opening • Stressors • Stress signals • Stress busters • Managing what we can control • Break

  4. Agenda, cont • Stress management techniques • Relaxation activities – biodots! • Cognitive approach • In the moment ideas • Closing

  5. What causes YOU stress?

  6. How Does Stress Affect You?

  7. Stress Signals Physical Symptoms Tight neck and shoulders Pounding heart Chest pain Headaches High blood pressure Diarrhea Constipation Fatigue Emotions Depression Anger Irritability Low self esteem Apathy impatience Behavior Negativity Increase in smoking Increase in drinking Reckless driving Forgetfulness Drug use Overeating Undereating

  8. FIGHT Or FLIGHT

  9. PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO STRESS • Stress hormones released • Increased heart rate • Increased blood pressure • Increased rate of breathing • Blood rushes to vital organs • Digestive system shuts down • Muscles tense

  10. Effects of Small Increase of Cortisol • Quick burst of energy for survival • Heightened memory functions • Burst of increased immunity • Lower sensitivity to pain • Helps maintain homeostasis in the body

  11. Effects of Prolonged Increase of Cortisol Levels • Impaired cognitive performance • Suppressed thyroid function • Blood sugar imbalances • Decreased bone density • Decrease in muscle tissue • Higher blood pressure • Lowered immunity • Increased belly fat > heart attack, stroke, cholesterol issues

  12. POP QUIZHow Long Does it Take to Reverse the Stress Response? • 30 seconds • 30 minutes • 3 hours • 3 days • 3 months

  13. What do YOU do to Combat Stress?

  14. STRESSBUSTER Accept what you cannot change Change what you can

  15. Stress Management Techniques

  16. Relaxation • Deep Breathing • Progressive Muscle Relaxation • Guided imagery

  17. Stress Squares Color Key ` More Relaxed Less Relaxed

  18. AAAbc’s Technique • Alter the stressor: • direct communication • problem solving • time management • Avoid the stressor: • remove yourself from the situation • Accept the stressor by: • building your resilience • changing your perception

  19. What Can You Do . . . In the Moment?

  20. Thanks for coming!For more information about the EAP, contact us at 240-314-1040or visit our website athttp://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/eap

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