1. The Key to Health and Happiness
Stress Management
The Key to Health and Happiness

2. Stress Basics:
Stress is a normal psychological and physiological reaction to everyday demands. Everyone at some point experiences stress.
There are different kinds of stress:
Eustress (positive) and Distress (negative)
Eustress can be motivating, is short term, feels exciting, can improve performance, should be perceived within coping abilities.
Distress can cause anxiety, can be short-term or long-term, perceived outside of coping abilities, it decreases performance, and can lead to physical and mental ailments.

3. Learning to Manage stress
Damage to the body is experienced when stress is not shut off and has become chronic. Learning to shut off Distress is important in safeguarding the health of mind, body, and spirit.
Chronic stress can also have an impact on relationships, job performance, and personal potential.
The key is making stress management a goal and keeping track of stress levels.

4. Recognizing the signs of stress
Not everyone reacts to stress the same way.
Appetite may be suppressed or increased.
Sleep may be affected, some experience insomnia and others cannot get enough sleep.
Signs of Stress
Low energy, headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, neasea, aches, pains, tense muscles, rapid heartbeat, frequent colds and infections, loss of sexual desire.

5. Stress Management Techniques:
Relaxation Techniques
meditation, deep breathing, aroma therapy, message therapy
Nutrition and Diet
Exercise
Journaling
Professional Counseling or Therapy
Effective Time management skills
CAM (Complementary and Alternative medicine)
Natural Products, Mind and Body Practices

6. References:
Mayo Clinic (2014). Stress Relief. Healthy Lifestyle: Stress Management. Retrieved September 29, from management/basics/stress-relief/hlv