Stress--Some Call this Pressure
What is it?
Webster:
Stress is a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation.
Stress = the collective physiological and emotional responses to any stimulus that disturbs an individual’s homeostasis
What are Sources of Stress?
- Environmental Stressors-noise, weather, pollution, pollen, traffic, hurricane,
- Social Stressors – deadlines, financial problems, time demands, School
- Physiological Stressors-- Lack of sleep, aging, lack of exercise, injury, disease, surgery
- Mental Stressors—YOUR THOUGHTS
Examples
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The Good
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The Bad
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The Ugly
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Get married
Have children
Get to go to USA to Study
Live in a new place
Have company
Extended family
School
Success praised
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Get Divorced
Problem with children
Money Problems
Research not Working out
Marriage Problems
Family comes for too long
Problems in School
Guilt over past failures
Visa
Health Problems
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Nasty car accident
Run out of Money
Loved one dying
Major Illness
Visa Expires
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Seven Myths about Stress:
- Stress is the same for everyone.
- Stress is always bad for you.
- Stress is everywhere, so you can’t do anything about it.
- The most popular techniques for reducing stress are the best ones.
- Only major symptoms of stress require attention.
- Doctors have the solutions for stress
- The Bible has NO answers for stress.
What does stress do in the body?
SHORT AMOUNT OF STRESS FOR LIMITED TIME OKAY
CHRONIC STRESS CAN MAKE YOU ILL
The same body response that allows you to survive through flight or fight can end up leading to your early death when in a chronic state.
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System
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Short-Term
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Chronic
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Cardiovascular
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éHeart Rate, éBP sending bld to muscle,êBld to kidneys and digestive tract
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May Develop Heart Disease
éBP, éCholesterol,
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Metabolism
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éEnergy, Fat to Energy,
ê Insulin, éGlucose
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Increased Chance of developing Diabetes
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Digestion
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êDigestion, êSaliva, êBld Flow to digestive organs,êEnzyme Secretion,
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May develop ulcers or chronic digestive system problems.
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Growth
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Inhibits Growth
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Children can have problems growing may even lead to dwarfism.
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Immune System
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Immune System enhanced first few minutes returns to normal in an hour.
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Immune system suppressed
éInfection and illness
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Memory
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Alert and Ready
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êMemory & Coordination
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Analyze your Stress:
Ø Eustress= Good Stress—Does not make you sick and is usually short in duration.
Ø Distress= Bad Stress-Can make you ill if you take no action.
Unmediated Chronic Stress Linked to the following list of problems:
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Ø High Blood Pressure
Ø Arrhythmias
Ø Reflux
Ø Ulcers
Ø Irritable Bowel
Ø Gastritis
Ø Headaches
Ø Eczema
Ø Acne
Ø Yeast Infections
Ø Infertility
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Ø Impotence
Ø Back pain
Ø Fibromyalgia
Ø Chronic pain syndromes
Ø Recurrent infections
Ø Allergies/Asthma
Ø Chronic fatigue
Ø Immune problems
Ø Bowel irregularities
Ø Diabetes
ETC. ETC. ETC.
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Steps to Reduce Stress:
Ø AWARE- Admit it and take responsibility for the part you can control. Tune into your bodies warning signs.
Ø ANALYZE- Assess your stress and understand were it is coming from and what is your response.
Ø ACT- Reduce the stress you can control
l Your Thoughts can be Stressing You,
l Change your schedule
l Change your circumstances
l Apply stress reduction techniques.
BE ACTIVE ABOUT STRESS (Not a Victim)
Suggested Behaviors:
• Don’t ruminate over problems
• Respond to signs of fatigue
• Don’t self medicate
• ie. alcohol/drug abuse
• Take scheduled time off
• Stabilize marriage situations
• Develop/maintain friendships
• Engage in regular exercise
• Foster sense of humor (Laugh)
Examine your Life for Health Habits to Deal with Stress?
• Nutrition—Eat Healthy
• Attention to Symptoms
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Recreation
• Stretching
• Social Support
• Humor
• Change your Schedule
• Take Time to Relax
• Spiritual Care Can Help
