1. Messin’ with Stressin’
Don’t let stress keep messin’ with your life! Turn the tables on it and mess with it!
Little background
Job title eliminated after merge
Broke up with boyfriend
Brother died
Moved
Lots of sudden deaths in short time frame, including two brothers and a nephew
Work full time
School full time
Total of 9 years of high stress

2. Causes of Stress Culture Traffic Unmet expectations
People/Relationships
Procrastination/time management
Clutter
Poor communication
Lack of control
Too much to do (not saying ‘no’)
Codependency
Others?
Culture – high speed, expectations on ourselves from others
Traffic – need I say anymore? Story of steve and I’s crazy driver
Unmet Expectations
People/Relationships
Procrastination/time management
Clutter (from some)
Poor communication
Lack of control over situation
Too much to do (not saying no)
Codependency
Others?
Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Not all stress is bad. All animals have a stress response, and it can be life-saving. But chronic stress can cause both physical and mental harm.
There are at least three different types of stress:
Routine stress related to the pressures of work, family, and other daily responsibilities
Stress brought about by a sudden negative change, such as losing a job, divorce, or illness
Traumatic stress, which happens when you are in danger of being seriously hurt or killed. Examples include a major accident, war, assault, or a natural disaster. This type of stress can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Different people may feel stress in different ways. Some people experience digestive symptoms. Others may have headaches, sleeplessness, depressed mood, anger, and irritability. People under chronic stress get more frequent and severe viral infections, such as the flu or common cold. Vaccines, such as the flu shot, are less effective for them.
Some people cope with stress more effectively than others. It's important to know your limits when it comes to stress, so you can avoid more serious health effects.
NIH: National Institute of Mental Health

3. Top Causes of Stress in U.S.
Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association

4. U.S. Stress Statistics www.statisticbrain.com
Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association

5. Stress Impact Statistics
Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association

6. Stress Warning Signs Physical Headaches Indigestion Stomach aches
Sweaty Palms
Sleep difficulties
Dizziness
Back pain/tight neck/shoulders
Racing heart
Restlessness
Ringing in ears
Tiredness

7. Stress Warning Signs Behavioral Excessive Smoking Bossiness
Compulsive gum chewing
Attitude – critical of others
Grinding teeth
Alcohol overuse
Compulsive eating
Inability to get things done

8. Stress Warning Signs Emotional Crying Nervousness/anxiety
Boredom – things have no meaning
Edginess – ready to explore
Feeling powerless to change things
Overwhelming sense of pressure
Anger
Loneliness
Unhappiness for no reason
Easily upset

9. Stress Warning Signs Cognitive Trouble thinking clearly Forgetfulness
Memory loss
Inability to make decisions
Thoughts running away
Constant worry
Loss of sense of humor
The more items that apply to you, the more stress you are under

10. Experiences www.statisticbrain.com
Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association

11. Unhealthy Ways to Cope Smoking Drinking too much Over/under eating
Zoning out in front of TV/computer for hours
Withdrawing
Using pills/drugs to relax
Sleeping too much
Procrastinating
Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems
Taking out your stress on others

12. Preventive Measures Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy well-balanced diet
Adequate Sleep
Time Management/Planning ahead
Give yourself a break

13. But what about RIGHT NOW!!!!
Laughter/Play/Humor
Breathe!
Abdominal breathing
Do As One (doasone.com)
Exercise (yes, sorry to say)
Which type varies by person
Walking
Running
Biking
Swimming
Tai Chi
Yoga
Laughter: relaxes whole body; boosts immune system; triggers release of endorphins; protects the heart
Breathing: Reduce stress and anger; improve relaxation; overcome fears; assist with those with PTSD; Do as One
Exercise: releases feel-good brain chemicals; reduces immune system chemicals; increases body temperature; take your mind off worries;

14. Aerial Yoga

16. But what about RIGHT NOW!!!!
Stress Balls/toys
Journal
Music
Change of perspective (is it worth the stress?)
Lighting
Spiritual
Tackling tough issues
Vitamin B
Stress balls: reduces excessive physical tension; helps forget other pressures
Journaling –fewer stress related visits to doctor; improved immune system functioning; reduced blood pressure; improved lung function; improved liver function; fewer days in hospital; improved mood; feeling of greater psychological well being; reduced depressive symptoms; reduced absenteeism from work; quicker re-employment after job loss; improved working memory; improved sporting performance;
Music; reduces stress hormone cortical
Lighting: helps sleep better; think clearly; timing and release of hormones; regulation of blood pressure/glucose levels.
Spirituality; feel a sense of purpose; connect to the world; release control; expand your support network; lead a healthier life

17. But what about RIGHT NOW!!!!
Meditation
Guided
Mantra
Mindfulness
Massage (of course!)
Progressive muscle relaxation
Effective Communication
Aromatherapy
Herbal Teas
Reflexology
Learn to say ‘No’
Crystals
Meditation: gives a sense of calm, peace and balance; gain a new perspective; reduce negative emotions; helps lower anxiety, asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, sleep problems (Mayo Clinic)
Massage: helpful for anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, stress related insomnia, myofascial pain syndrome, nerve pain, soft tissue strains/injuries;sports injuries, (mayo clinic)
Aromatherapy: relief from anxiety/depression

18. But what about RIGHT NOW!!!!
Keep pictures of loved ones or cute things at your desk.
Do as One