Actively Coping with StressExperiencing Stress is NormalNegative Influences of StressStress Causing FactorsFeeling StressedPositive Influences of StressPositive StressGood Coping StrategiesSlide 9Bad Coping StrategiesLearning to Manage StressActively Coping with StressStrategies that can help you achieve your goals when you’re feeling the pressureExperiencing Stress is NormalBoth physically and mentally, stress is the wearand tear our bodies experience as we adjust toour continually changing environmentNegative Influences of StressStress may result in distrust, rejection, anger, anddepression which can cause health problems.Related Health Issues Include: Headaches, high blood pressure, rashes, upset stomach, insomnia, and weight loss/gainStress Causing Factors•Transitioning to college•Demanding major•Outside pressures•Family•Relationship•Extra-curricular•Jobs [Part-time/Full-time]•Math anxiety (guest speaker: Terri Mathews)Feeling StressedFeeling stressed can make you want to give up on:•Classes•Your major•Assignments•RelationshipsThere are effective ways to cope with everyday stressors.Stress can help or hinder you depending on your reaction !!Positive Influences of StressStress helps to compel you to action, and can result in a new awareness and new perspectives on life.Positive StressStress adds anticipation and excitement to life•Deadlines•Frustrations•Competitions•ConfrontationsIdea is not to eliminate stress, rather to learn how to manage it.Good Coping Strategies1. Active Copinga. Confront your challenges directlyb. Execute your strategyc. Break challenges down into smaller steps2. Planninga. Anticipate your challengesb. Think through the obstaclesc. Develop a strategyGood Coping Strategies3. Set Priorities and Manage Timea. Develop a weekly scheduleb. How much time do you really have?4. Change your Thinkinga. What are the potential benefits of the challenge you’re facing?b. What are you learning?c. How will you grow from it?d. How will it help you reach your goals?Bad Coping Strategies1.Denial•Ignoring the problem2. Quitting•Behavioral or mental disengagement3. Focusing on negative feelings•Thinking about how “bad” it is instead of what’s good about it and making it better4. Waiting too late to ask for help•Asking for help at the end of the semester.5. Being reactive rather than proactive•Studying after the bad test grade instead of beforeLearning to Manage Stress•Be aware of your stressors and your reactions.•How does your body react to stress?•Think about what you can and cannot change.•Try reducing your emotional reactions.•Moderate your physical reactions to stress.•Relax, whatever that is for you•Build your physical reserves.•Exercise, get enough sleep•Maintain your emotional reserves•Develop mutually supportive