Transcript Stress Management Coping in an Insane World Julie Rehder – ELM Resources Robert Sevret – Discover Student Loans Nancy Harvey – First Marblehead.

Stress Management
Coping in an Insane World
Julie Rehder – ELM Resources
Robert Sevret – Discover Student Loans
Nancy Harvey – First Marblehead
Stress & Anxiety

Defined

Effects on the body & brain

Be prepared

Self realization (Life is not Easy)

Ways to relieve stress

Inspire others
What are your stressors?
Definition of stress

Stress is defined as an organism's total response to
environmental demands or pressures.

Stress in humans results from interactions between
persons and their environment that are perceived
as straining or exceeding their adaptive capacities
and threatening their well-being. (Medical
Dictionary, 2013)
What happens to the body when
experiencing stress



Your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of
stress hormones which rouse the body for emergency
action
Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood
pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become
sharper
These physical changes increase your strength and
stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your
focus – preparing you to either fight or flee from the
danger at hand
Stress Warning Signs & Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms
Emotional Symptoms
Memory problems
Moodiness
Inability to concentrate
Irritability or short temper
Poor judgment
Agitation, inability to relax
Seeing only the negative
Feeling overwhelmed
Anxious or racing thoughts
Sense of loneliness and isolation
Constant worrying
Depression or general unhappiness
Physical Symptoms
Behavioral Symptoms
Aches and pains
Eating more or less
Diarrhea or constipation
Sleeping too much or too little
Nausea, dizziness
Isolating yourself from others
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
Procrastinating or neglecting
responsibilities
Loss of sex drive
Using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs to relax
Frequent colds
Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
Balancing Pressure and Performance –
When Stress Can Be Good
The Inverted-U Model (also known as Yerkes-Dodson Law)
Be Prepared

Recognize stressful situations

Prepare yourself; have a plan for emergencies

Life (stress) comes with seasons; know your schedule

Realize there are certain events we cannot avoid

Be wise with your resources (time & money)

Listen more than you speak

Make peace (especially with family, friends, and coworkers)
Self Realization

No one knows you better than YOU

Know when you are the most productive

Be aware of your calendar & make time for YOU

Plan some time after your obligations are
completed

Be aware of your surroundings; BE SAFE

Educate yourself
Realize Life is not Easy

Tough times do NOT last, tough people do!

Rocky Balboa (2006) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkJLTGweKl0

Don’t let issues (stress) build-up

Write things down; know what’s coming up

When problems come up, ask for help (I do)

There is NO shame, we ALL need a boost
Ways to Relieve and Manage Stress










Count to 10
Always be positive
Use a friendly tone
Spend time with friends
Listen to music
Write in a journal or diary
Splurge on a good cup of coffee or tea
Have a piece of chocolate
Massage your temples
Reflect on your accomplishments
Be Honorable and Respectful

Be honest with yourself, family, and friends

Be aware of others’ feelings

Give your best efforts all the time

Always be nice & respectful

Be humble

Have respect for yourself

Respect other people
Be a person people want to be around
and proud to be associated

Follow the “Golden Rule”: Do unto others as you
would prefer them to do unto you

Be nice

Be polite

Be approachable and pleasant

Be excited about life

Be confident and show poise
Stand for Something/Inspire Others

Live your life with meaning and purpose

Find a worthwhile cause to support

Know that YOU make a difference

Have faith

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly,
go into the world and do GOOD.” - Minor Myers Jr.

Be generous with your time and talents

Have an attitude of gratitude
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?

How you live your life now impacts how you
are remembered

What do you want your family, friends, and coworkers to say about you?
Questions?
References
Definition of stress & stress effects:
www.helpguide.org
 Inverted U Model: www.mindtools.com
