Stress and Its Impact on Your Health Presented by: Greg Brannan Deer Oaks EAP Services

Presentation Objectives Develop a better understanding of the impact stress has on your health Provide strategies to help you better manage your stress and keep your life in balance

Stress Levels in 2018… …Worse Than Ever The Facts The pace of life, technology, the economy, etc. The challenge of keeping our work and home lives in balance Other stress we face

The Impact on Our Health The Physiology & Psychology of Stress How we respond mentally, physically, & emotionally (i.e. fight or flight response) Potential for loss of health

Health Conditions Associated with Chronic Stress Emotional Effects: anxiety, aggression, apathy, boredom, depression, fatigue, frustration, guilt, shame, irritability, bad temper, moodiness, low self-esteem, threat, tension, nervousness, loneliness, inability to make decisions and concentrate, frequent forgetfulness, hypersensitivity to criticism and mental blocks Health Effects: asthma, chest and back pains, coronary heart disease, diarrhea, faintness and dizziness, headaches and migraine, neuroses, nightmares, insomnia, psychoses, hypertension psychosomatic disorder, diabetes mellitus, skin rash, ulcers, loss of sexual interest and weakness

Become Consciously Aware… …of How Stress Affects You

How to Become Aware Listen to your own internal alarm systems – notice what your mind and body and are telling you Be sensitive to changes in your attitude and behavior that may indicate that you’re overly stressed (negativity, conflict in relationships, changes in sleep patterns, etc.)

Keys to Stress Management Adjust your attitude & thinking - Be constructive in the way you you think about stressful events - Practice positive self-talk

Keys to Stress Management Let go of worrying - It’s a destructive mental habit - Realize that “this too shall pass” (research study) Exercise regularly - A healthy way to “work out” the emotions caused by stress

Keys to Stress Management Stay in balance - Take time for yourself regularly (take breaks, don’t eat at your desk, plan fun activities daily) - Don’t “over plan” your days & weekends

Keys to Stress Management Pace yourself - Don’t confuse activity with productivity - Remember the Turtle vs. the Hare – “slow but sure wins the race