Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

Relieve Stress

Introduction
Learn how to deal with stress.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Key your answers into the spaces below.

Use the information you have collected to create a one-column, seven-row table with the heading: Ways to Relieve Stress. Then, list six healthy ways to relieve stress—as directed in your textbook.

What Is Stress? Stress is defined as a physical or psychological stimulus that can produce mental tension or physiological reactions that may lead to illness. Stress is often an unpleasant and unhealthy “feeling” or “state of mind” that occurs in reaction to worrisome pressures or problems.

Stress can be positive, however. Stress is actually a necessary function of human survival. The primary purpose of positive stress is to trigger us into action when faced with danger or the need to perform exceptionally well. For example, stress can help a firefighter achieve a better reaction time or gain stamina in a dangerous situation. An emergency room doctor may experience urgency stress and therefore be able to better treat critical patients.

Causes Stress can be caused by many factors, such as disasters, accidents, a change in family circumstances, personal problems, work or school difficulties, low self esteem, or feelings of being overwhelmed.

Symptoms Emotional symptoms should not be taken lightly, as they can lead to more serious emotional and physical problems. Examples of emotional symptoms include:

• nervousness
• anxiety
• irritability
• frustration
• memory problems
• substance abuse
• trouble concentrating
• “butterflies”

Remember that the mind and body are connected. When emotional stress creeps up, it can take on many physical forms:

• sleep problems
• weight loss/gain
• fatigue
• sweaty hands
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• heart problems
• back/neck pain
• headaches
• upset stomach
• hair loss

Relieve Stress The first and most important way of relieving and reducing stress is to identify and understand the source(s). Once you identify what is causing you stress, you can work to control your emotional and physical reaction to it. Once this has been achieved, there are several methods of relieving stress, depending on the causes:

• Live a more balanced life—Try to balance time for work and time for yourself. This can include time you put aside for relaxing, socializing, exercise, or family. Putting too much time into work or school can ultimately lead to a feeling of being “trapped.”
• Manage your time—Often poor time management can lead to a sensation of being “behind” or “out of control.” Take a few minutes each day to list your responsibilities, prioritize and schedule them, and stick to a reasonable schedule. Remember to include time for yourself.
• Exercise—Find the right method for you to keep your physical well-being a top priority. Many people find that walking, jogging, weight training, yoga, and recreational sports such as tennis or swimming help to alleviate the physical effects of stress.
• Take a break—Often the pressure that causes stress is self-inflicted (pressure we put on ourselves). Remember to take time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes now and again throughout the school or work day.

1			Define stress in your own words.
2			Besides the examples listed above, what is an example of positive stress?
3			What are three physical symptoms of stress?
4			What are three emotional symptoms of stress?
5			Besides those listed above, what are some methods or activities that you feel help to reduce stress?