Causes of Stress
What is stress?
Stress are feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted. Sometimes stress can be motivating (good stress) and it can also be hurtful to wellbeing (bad stress).
What are symptoms?
An effect of a condition! In this case, symptoms of stress are the effects noticed from stress.
What does it mean to prevent stress?
Being proactive in managing stressors and stress levels.
What are coping skills?
tools, techniques or strategies to help handle difficult emotions/stress/symptoms
True or false: Stressors are something that causes tension or strain.
True! Stressors are things that may increase your stress level.
What are examples of physical symptoms of stress?
Headaches, migraines, back pain, sweating, nausea, chest pain, fatigue and indigestion
What are examples of basic needs should you protect during stress?
Sleep, diet, exercise, hygiene, social needs, medical/mental health
True or false: Taking numerous naps is a coping skill for stress.
False! This may be a sign of avoidance or symptom of stress.
What are examples of major life changes (important events that you must adjust to) that might contribute to stress?
Moving, loss, illness/injury, separation, etc.
What are examples of emotional symptoms of stress?
Worry, irritability, anger, loss of motivation, difficulty concentrating, mood instability, memory problems
True or false: Life balance is helpful in preventing stress.
True! Balance of: Family, Fun/Leisure, Spirituality, Socializing, Education/Work can help to protect from stress.
True or False: Mindfulness activities can be used to cope with and manage stress.
True! Coloring, taking a nature walk, deep breathing and other activities that allow you to focus on the here and now can help with stress management.
What are examples of daily stressors (common annoyances of everyday life)?
Chores, work problems, sleep problems, limited free time, problems with friends/family
What are examples behavioral symptoms of stress?
Nail biting, constant thoughts about stressors/worrying, restlessness, teeth grinding, trouble sleeping, social withdrawal
True or False: You can completely eliminate stress by avoiding stressors.
False. Stress cannot be prevented by avoidance.
Name three coping skills for stress management.
Deep breathing, grounding, distraction techniques, talking to your support system, relaxation techniques, self-care and many more!