Coping with the Four Types of Stress
Definition of stress:
Stress comes from the Latin word ‘stringere’ which means to bind tightly, constrict, to flow drop by drop. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary defines stress as "A physical, chemical, or emotional factor to which an individual fails to make a satisfactory adaptation, and which causes physiologic tensions that may be a contributory cause of disease.”
Four Causes of Stress
1. Stress of self
2. Stress of relationships
3. Stress of circumstances
4. Stress of things
Three Stages of Stress
1. Alarm - Mobilization of our resources to fight the stressor
2. Resistance - Coping with the stressor
3. Exhaustion - Depletion of our resources to the point of emptiness
(Hans Selye - 1936)
Indicators of Stress Options for Coping with Stress
Physical Physical
Fatigue Relaxation exercises
Insomnia Recreation
Heart problems Diet
Emotional Emotional
Depression Expression of feelings
Anxiety Meditation
Anger Refocus
Mood swings Change of surroundings
Behavioral Behavioral
Irritability Clarity of expectations
Impulsivity Organize and plan
Emotional outbursts Present with feelings
Isolation Focus on positive relationships
Nervousness Simplify
Scriptures to Help with Stress
Psalms 29:11; 62:1; 68:19; 91:1; Proverbs 14:30; Isaiah 41:10; 51:11; Matthew 11:28; Luke 4:42; 5:16; 2nd Corinthians 4:8; Philippians 4:7,8; Colossians 3:1,2; 1st Thessalonians 4:11,12; Hebrews 13:5