Stress is a part of day-to-day living. Everyone has it from time to time, and everyone has to deal with it. Many people become stressed due to external events. However, when you think about it, events in themselves aren’t stressful. Rather, it’s the way in which we interpret and react to them that makes them stressful. People differ dramatically in the types of events they interpret as stressful and the way in which they respond to such stress.
In this unit, you’ll investigate the phenomena of stress, how stress impacts people physically and mentally, and the various techniques people can use to handle stress to their advantage.
When you complete this course, you’ll be able to:
- Define eustress and distress
- Explain how stress can affect physical health
- Recognize physical and psychological symptoms of stress
- Identify common stressors of daily life
- List the three stages of stress
- Explain why relaxation and fun are important to relieve stress
- Suggest how exercise and sufficient sleep can help to reduce stress
- Describe visualization, meditation, and breathing techniques
