Managing Stress “There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” - Henry Kissinger
Where does stress come from? Work Family/home Finances Illness Loss/grief Changes (big or small)
A Broader Definition… The nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it.
A Broader Definition… The nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. Symptoms of stress: –Physical –Mental –Emotional
A Broader Definition… The nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. Physical – illness or injury Emotional – marriage or fight Mental – work or education
How Stressed Are You? “Adult Stress Scale” Record the stresses you have experienced in the past 12 months.
Adult Stress Scale StressEvent Value Death of Spouse100 Divorce73 Marital Separation65 Jail term63 Death of a close family member 63
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Personal injury or illness53 Marriage50 Fired at work47 Marital reconciliation45 Retirement45
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Change in health of family member 44 Pregnancy40 Sex difficulties39 Gain of a new family member 39 Business readjustments39
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Change in financial state 38 Death of a close friend37 Change to a different line of work 36 Change in # of arguments with spouse 35 Mortgage over $50,00031
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Foreclosure of mortgage30 Change in responsibilities at work 29 Son or daughter leaving home 29 Trouble with in-laws29 Outstanding personal achievements 28
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Spouse begins or stops work26 Begin or end school26 Change in living conditions25 Revision of personal habits24 Trouble with boss23 Change in work hours or conditions 20
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Change in residence20 Change in school20 Change in recreation19 Change in religious activities19 Change in social activities18
Adult Stress Scale (continued) StressEvent Value Loan less than $50,00017 Change in sleeping habits16 Change in # of family get-togethers 15 Change in eating habits15 Vacation13 Holidays12 Minor violation of the law11
Your Score Add applicable event values to find your total. Why 12 months? Effects of life changes carry over for long periods of time. What is your total?
What does it mean? ScoreStress/Risk Level <149Low Mild Moderate >300Major
Coping with Stress Moderate physical activity Locate the source Share your feelings Know your limits Roll with the punches Take care of yourself
Take a Vacation! “In 2005, Americans threw away an estimated 415 million vacation days.” Relaxation tips: –Leave the laptop at home –Pick a sunny spot –Schedule a week or more
Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Characteristics of happy people? Genetics Health Social life Relationships
Don’t Worry, Be Happy! A few more things you can do: –Quit comparing –Give back –Focus on the positives
Take Control of Your Stress Stress can be positive When stress turns negative –Take control –Determine its source –Make a plan