Wrap Up

Stress Management Wrap Up What do you want out of life? Are you achieving this? What is stress? Why is it important to manage stress? What is margin? Do you have it?

Common Mistakes in Managing Stress Expecting someone else to reduce your stress Deciding not to change Acting like a victim Trying to play anew game by the old rules Trying to control the uncontrollable Failing to abandon the expendable Picking the wrong battles Psychologically unplugging from your job or family

Maladaptive Coping Techniques Alcohol abuse Smoking Drugs Over eating Escapism (T.V.) Spending sprees Blaming others Physical and verbal abuse Complaining Over working Denial Magnification

“Bring the Future Into the Present” If we live responsibly in the present we will influence the future. The same holds true if we live irresponsibly. There is a connection between the ‘present’ and the ‘future’ and it is called choices. Prepare for your future today in how you live. Dr. Jerry Sittser

Stress Model Intervention Choices & direction Identify stressors & specifics Simplify Balance Pevey bucket Money management Time management Diet & nutrition Noise reduction Assertiveness Communication skills Conflict resolution Social support networking Behavior modification Relational maintenance Environmental planning Family planning Life Situations and How You Choose to Live

Perception Intervention Selective awareness Perspective Locus of control Attitude Gratitude Contentment Forgiveness Humor Re-label Self-talk Thought stopping Success analysis Sand analogy How You Choose to Think

Most people think that happiness is doing what you want to do. True happiness is learning to enjoy what you have to do. Anonymous

Emotional Intervention Meditation Autogenics Progressive relaxation Biofeedback Prayer Down Time & Pauses in the ‘Pace’ of Life

Physiological Intervention Physical exercise

Consequences By intervening a little at each level of the stress model, you can reduce the harmful effects of stress, thereby changing the outcomes from distress to eustress.

“All my possessions for a little more time.” Queen Elizabeth, 1603 on her dying bed

“What does it take to satisfy people? Just a little bit more.” John Rockefeller

That the birds of worry fly over your head, this you cannot change. That they build their nest in your hair, this you can prevent. Asian Proverb

Timing Successful living is related to proper timing. There is a time and a place for everything, and people who seem to be ‘successful’ understand when that is.