Stress Management

What is stress?

brain’s natural response to any demand, producing a biological response by the body.

What are stressors?

physical or psychological factors that produce stress.

Is some stress beneficial?

Yes, stressors can provide interest and purpose to life.

What happens when stress levels become too high?

Too much stress can cause distress.

What are some biological responses to stress?

fainting, flight, fight, freeze, fawn (attempting to please or give into the stressor or situ)

What are common expected findings of acute stress?

Apprehension, unhappiness, decreased appetite, increased RR/HR/BP, incr metabolism and glucose use, and decr immune sys

What are expected findings of prolonged stress?

Chronic anxiety or panic attacks, depression, chronic pain, sleep issues, weight gain/loss, increased risk for MI or stroke, poor diabetes control, HTN, fatigue, irritability, decr concentration, decr immunity

What are protective factors and how can they help protect against stress?

serve as a buffere b/t stressor and individual like physical health, optimism, humor, hobbies, strong support systems, religious/spiritual beliefs

What is one standardized screening tool for assessing stress?

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is most common

What is stress management?

one’s ability to experience appropriate emotions and cope with stress that can minimize illness and improve functioning like being able to view stressors as positive.

Describe cognitive techniques for stress management.

center around cognitive reframing like positive self-talk and looking at irrational thoughts in more positive, realistic light

What are behavioral techniques to manage stress?

meditation, guided imagery, breathing exercises, exercise, and progressive muscle relaxation.

What is the purpose of journaling in stress management?

eases anxiety, identifies stressors, and increases confidence.

What is priority restructuring in stress management?

Prioritizing tasks differently to reduce the number of stressors.

How does biofeedback work as a stress management technique?

uses a device to gain voluntary control of autonomic functions like HR and BP

What is mindfulness in the context of stress management?

Being mindful of surroundings by using senses and monitoring thoughts

What are some resources available for stress management at KSU?

Student Success Programs, mental health training, counseling, and community building.

Why is assertiveness training beneficial for stress management?

It helps in learning to communicate more effectively, thereby reducing psychological stress.

What physical changes can occur due to acute stress?

Increased metabolic and glucose use, fatigue, irritability.

How can humor act as a protective factor against stress?

Humor helps buffer stress and provide perspective.

What can chronic stress lead to in terms of physical health?

Increased risk for conditions like hypertension and poor diabetes control.

What can excessive stress contribute to in relation to weight?

Weight gain or loss due to changes in appetite and metabolism.

What is the benefit of viewing stressors as positive?

It can help recondition one’s response to stressful situations.

How can breathing exercises help manage stress?

They promote relaxation and help reduce physical symptoms of stress.

Explain the concept of assertive communication in stress management.

Learning to express thoughts and feelings openly while maintaining respect for others.

What role do hobbies play in managing stress?

Hobbies provide enjoyment and a distraction from stressors.

What is the freeze response to stress?

Being unable to respond or react against the stressor.

What does progressive muscle relaxation involve?

Tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups to reduce tension.

What are techniques of stress mgmt?

cognitive, behavioral, journaling, priority restructuring, biofeedback, mindfulness, assertive training