UNIT 2

ASPECTS OF PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT
COPING WITH STRESS IN
MIDDLE AND LATE
ADOLESCENCE
Let's Play Bingo!
A - Stress M - Misery
B - Emotions N - Panic
C - Anxiety O - Problems
D - Management P - Headaches
E - Causes Q - Dizziness
F - Effects R - Depression
G - Control S - Confusion
H - Work T - Stressors
I - School U - Frustrations
J - Friends V - Anger
K - Family W - Tension
L - Desperation X - Experiences
FIRST PATTERN
A F E U
C J H I
X T D O
M Q N V
K B R W
L S G P
SECOND PATTERN
S J F G
W D H I
A K V O
P M X R
B T E Q
L C N U
THIRD PATTERN
D N J Q
M F B S
U A L I
R N T O
P E U G
C H V K
FOURTH PATTERN
W X F C
D S K H
T B O L
A R V Q
M N I U
P E J G
FIFTH PATTERN
D K O A
X C R G
B F U S
Q J W L
V E H P
I N M T
What is stress and how
does it affect you?
 Stress
• Dictionary definitions do not quite capture the
meaning of stress as it is seen and experienced in
the world of work.
• “…a state of mental tension and worry caused
by problems in your life, work, etc.” (Webster)
 Stress
• A practical way of defining stress is the feeling
one gets from prolonged, pent-up emotions.
• If the emotions you experience are pleasant and
desirable – joy, elation, ecstasy, delight – you
usually feel free to let them show. They are not
suppressed.
• Therefore; positive emotions do not usually cause
stress.
 Stress
• Negative emotions, on the other hand, are more often
held inside. They are hidden.
• You suffer quietly and you experience stress.
• Do not confuse positive situations with positive emotions.
• For example, a wedding is a positive situation that often
brings about the negative emotions of anxiety and
tension.
• So stress can exist in great situations.
Some words that describe the
emotions associated with stress
• Anxiety
• Pressure
• Misery
• Desperation
• Tension
• Anger
• Panic
• Dejection
Remember this...
The more you try to hold your
emotions in, the greater the
pressure build-up will be.
Everyday frustrations cause stress
build-up
Managing to get yourself out of bed and
ready to face the day can be a
challenge to your patience.
Everyday frustrations cause stress
build-up
Driving/Commuting to school
or work- especially if you're
running late.
 Everyday frustrations cause stress
build-up
You may face conflicts in school or at work, such as coping with
unrealistic deadlines, equipment failures, or unexpected bad
weather.
 Everyday frustrations cause stress
build-up
• If part of your job is selling, you may experience feelings of
rejection when most of your customers say “no.”
Problems in our personal life can be
devastating
• Surviving the normal, everyday stress can be
difficult. But far more serious and painful
circumstances can create long-term stress.
• More serious stressful circumstances may include
separation from loved ones, personal illness, or illness
of a loved one, death of someone you care about,
or conflict with a spouse or close friend.
Problems in our personal life can be
devastating
• Other major causes of stress are problems with drug
and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, care of
children and elderly relatives, chronic mental illness,
injury, physical handicaps, even moving to a new
home, if you’ve lived in the same place for more
than 10 years.
• Managing your personal finances can be another
stressful experience.
Problems in our personal life can be
devastating
• This can be a problem no matter what your income
level, but it is especially difficult if you must support a
family and do not earn enough to live comfortably.
• Unpaid bills, unwise use of credit, and budget
limitations can make life difficult.
A common cause of stress is dealing
with life’s transitions
Example:
Ellen has just completed a program in fashion
merchandising. She is eager to get started on her new job.
Her mother is ill and requires care. Her father died a few
months ago. Ellen’s new job requires that she relocate to a
town 100 miles from home. The move, a new career, and a
change in family relationships may cause excessive stress for
her. Too many changes have arrived at the same time.
 Activities
1. WHAT CAUSES YOU TO “LOSE YOUR
COOL”?
2. STRESS SIGNALS
 Keep Stress Under Control
• Understand the Causes of Stress
• Analyze Your Stress Factors and Write Them
Down
• Deal With The Stressors
• Learn to Work under Pressure or Unusual
Conditions
 Some tips to relax when under
pressure
• Stop for a moment (especially when you feel
your muscles tightening up) and take a few
deep breaths.
• Do a relaxing exercise. Swing your hands at
your sides and stretch.
• Take a “power nap”. Lie down and totally
relax for a few minutes.
 Some tips to relax when under
pressure
• Find time to do the things you enjoy.
• Leave your study area for a while to take a brisk
walk.
• Find a quiet place to read a magazine or novel
during break or at lunch.
• If possible, look at some peaceful images such as
forests, beaches, etc. These images can initiate a
relaxation response.
 Some tips to relax when under
pressure
Keep something humorous on hand, such as a
book of jokes.
 PROJECT TO-DO-LIST
In senior high, you may become increasingly more
responsible for your own use of time. You may be given
multiple tasks and expectations, for example academic
work, extracurricular activities, family, friends, and work.
Learning how to prioritize tasks and break them down into
manageable steps is an important skill to learn for
managing stress. Here is an activity that will help you learn
to do this.
PROJECT TO-DO-LIST