Counseling

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Counseling
Surviving Stress 101
Recognizing Stress and Learning Effective Ways to
Cope
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WHAT IS STRESS?

• A normal part of life
• Has good and bad implications
• Biological response to our environment
• Flight or fight response
• Physical and mental reactions

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Fight or Flight Response
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Normal Response to Our Environment
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Common Stressful Events

• moving
• starting college
• tests
• changing jobs
• births
• deaths
• breakups in relationships
• financial hardships

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Busy modern life

• Studying for exams
• Handling emergencies
• balance responsibilities

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What Happens WhenWe Are Stressed

• Releases chemicals into the blood , causing
  physical changes--faster heartbeat, increased
  muscle tension,
• This gives us extra strength and energy
• Helps us deal with stressful events such as

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Identify Stress in your Life
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Symptoms of Too Much Stress

• Tiredness/exhaustion
• Tight muscles
• Nervousness
• Stomach problems
• Change in appetite
• General body complaints weakness, headache, back
  pain, etc.

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Keep a Stress Diary

• Situation

• How it made me feel physically
• How I felt mentally
• How did I react to the situation
• What did I say to myself about the situation?

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Strategies to Manage Stress in Your Life

• Simplify Your Life
• Ask for help
• Practice Time Management
• Minimize Alcohol Use
• Humor--Take Time to Play
• Relaxation Techniques
• Get Counseling If Needed

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Relaxation Techniques

• IMAGERY

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Relaxation Techniques 3-2-1 Relax

• 3 I See
• 3 I Hear.
• 3 I Feel..
• 2 I See...
• 2 I Hear.
• 2 I Feel..
• 1 I See...
• 1 I Hear.
• 1 I Feel..

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Muscle Relaxation
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Other Stress Relieving Strategies

• Assertiveness Training
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Social Support
• Exercise
• Plenty of Sleep
• Fun