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
