R

Stress

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

  • self actualization — realizing one’s fullest potential; what do you want to be?
  • esteem — also includes achievement

stress

  • stress: the body’s response to a demand
    • stressor: the demand put on the body
  • eustress: manageable stress that can lead to growth
  • distress: uncontrolled, overwhelming stress that is destructive and negative
  • general adaptation syndrome (GAS)
    • alarm = fight or flight response
    • also includes tertiary “freeze” response
    • resistance = body attempts to return to normal
    • exhaustion = “wear and tear,” illness may occur
  • physical symptoms of stress
    • headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, increase in appetite, dry mouth, heartburn
  • positive ways to handle stress (examples, not a conclusive list)
    • hobbies
    • exercise
    • deep breathing
    • taking breaks
    • relaxation and meditation
    • talking through problems
  • negative ways to handle stress (examples, not a conclusive list)
    • violence
    • procrastination
    • destruction
    • addiction
    • taking anger out on others
    • denial
    • over eating
    • under eating
  • defense mechanism: a strategy used to cope with a stressful situation
    • can be positive or negative, or dependent on the situation
    • positive mechanisms relieve stress whereas negative mechanisms add to stress
    • most mechanisms can be both
    • sublimation: positive; the direction of energy into a useful rather than unacceptable goal
    • identification: may be positive or negative; assuming the qualities of someone you admire
    • compensation: positive; making up for weakness in one area by excelling in another area
    • rationalization: negative; making excuses for actions or feelings
    • daydreaming: may be positive or negative; fantasizing to escape unpleasant realities
    • displacement: negative; transforming emotions or thoughts from the original source to another
    • regression: negative; reverting to immature behavior to express emotions
    • projection: negative; putting your own faults onto someone else
    • denial: negative; refusing to recognize or otherwise acknowledge an emotion or problem