This document discusses stress, its causes and effects, and provides strategies for managing stress in a healthy way. It explains that a certain amount of stress is normal and can be beneficial, but too much negative stress can be harmful. The key is finding a balance. It then lists and describes multiple strategies for dealing with stress, such as physical activity, socializing with friends, relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and seeking help from others if stress becomes overwhelming.

1. Stress Management Making Stress Work for You- A Recap of Our LINKS Presentation www.LinksYouth.org

2. What Makes You Stressed? Homework? Sisters /brothers? Parents? Friends? Sports? Performing? Time management? Your body? Sickness? What else?

3. Your stress is REAL! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

4. What is Stress? Few human conditions receive so much credit… and blame as stress. Stress is a fact of life. We need a certain amount of stress in our daily lives to function well, keep us sharp and on task. Stress is your body’s response to changes around you.

5. Fight-Or-Flight? Your body responds to stressors by getting ready to act. This is called your “fight-or-flight” response because your body prepares to fight the stressor or flee from it.

6. Balance Finding and maintaining balance is key to managing the tremendous pressure of modern life. An event that is stressful to you may not even faze your best friend. People experience and handle pressure in different ways. It is important that you know what ‘stresses you out’ and how you can cope with these issues.

7. Positive vs. Negative Negative stress, or distress is a stress that may prevent you from doing what you need to do or that causes you discomfort. Positive stress, eustress is stress that can help you to accomplish your goals. When you are excited, challenged and motivated, this is eustress.

8. Your Body in Survival Mode: You might feel: Sweaty palms Knots in stomach Difficulty thinking Increased heart rate Anxious The Cause: Glands kick into gear Stress hormones in blood stream Adrenalin at work

9. People have different ways of reacting to the pressure. Do you think these reactions to mental stress are ultimately good or bad for a person? Fight back and take action Talk to someone about your feelings Ask for help Listen to music Play a sport Slam a door or yell Withdraw from friends and family Act happy and deny that anything is wrong Drink or get high Eat Sleep Hit a pillow

10. We all have a choice on how we manage stress. The key is to be aware of how we individually react to stress (positive and negative) and develop strategies to gain self control.

11. Finding Success Over Stress Put your body in motion! Get physically active! It clears your head and it is good for your body!

12. Finding Success Over Stress Fuel Up! Eat regular meals. Give your body healthy food and the food that it needs to get through the day. Avoid energy jolts from sugar and caffeine.

13. Finding Success Over Stress LOL! Laughter and fun are truly the best medicine! Watch a funny movie or joke with friends. Crying can also make you feel better.

14. Finding Success Over Stress Hang with friends! Social interaction can be a great diversion. Do something positive as a group- everyone will benefit!

15. Finding Success Over Stress Spill to someone you trust! Talk to someone you feel comfortable with and respect. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside. Talking about your problems may help you see things from a different point of view. Others can help you figure out ways to deal with your problems.

16. Finding Success Over Stress Take time to chill! Do something relaxing that you enjoy: reading, TV, video games, music, a hobby, writing, drawing, putting a puzzle together, playing cards or games, etc.

17. Finding Success Over Stress Catch some ZZZZZZs! Fatigue exaggerates stress. You might feel tired or cranky, or you may have trouble thinking clearly when you are sleep deprived.

18. Finding Success Over Stress Keep a journal! Write down your thoughts and possible solutions. Self reflection can be a positive tool to help understand your feelings.

19. Finding Success Over Stress Lend a hand! Get involved in an activity that helps others. The feelings you get from volunteering may be greater than you can imagine. It may also put your stress in perspective.

20. Finding Success Over Stress Get it together! If you are feeling overwhelmed and distressed you may need to take time to get organized . Write down what needs to be done. Attack one task at a time instead of procrastinating.

21. Finding Success Over Stress Learn Relaxation Techniques! Stop, drop and breathe! Relaxation exercises and meditation, breathing and yoga can be a huge help!

22. Ask for help!!! If you have tried coping strategies and you are still feeling distressed , please talk to someone. The strength of friendship can be a powerful tool in your success over stress! For more info on who to go to for help: http://www1.northbrook28.net/%7Ewconcklin/healthsite/Need_Help.html

23. Credits Information for this presentation came from: Links – North Shore Youth Health Service 1779 Maple Street, Northfield, IL 60093 Ph: 847-441-6191 www.LinksYouth.org We thank Links for their volunteer service every year!