


| Stress can be evidenced by the myriad of life challenges with which we must contend on a daily basis − financial challenges, family and work demands and so on. We are bombarded and frequently overwhelmed by the daily demands for time and energy that are placed on us. According to a 2007 natural survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA, www.apahelpcenter.mediaroom.com, 2007) “nearly half of all Americans report that stress has a negative impact on both their personal and professional lives.” More than 50 % report physical symptoms (fatigue; headache; upset stomach) and psychological symptoms (experiencing irritability or anger; feeling nervous; lack of energy) related to stress in the last month. And, for three quarters of Americans, money and work are the leading causes of stress. Stress is common to everyone, personally and professionally, but we experience and respond to stress and life situations in our own unique way. While the birth of a child, for some, induces tremendous financial and emotional strain, for others, it provides a sense of spiritual joy and fulfillment, despite the financial and emotional sacrifice. This is the irony of stress in that it has its negative as well as its positive qualities. Your ability to maintain a sense of balance in your personal and professional life begins with a commitment to developing a healthy lifestyle. This includes consistently and adequately addressing the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. First, accept that stress is a part of life and that creating a healthy lifestyle of stress management is a daily “process.” Focus on taking one step at a time, one day at a time by committing to 5 Minutes A Day of Writing and Self-Reflection. Use the 7 Steps to Developing and Implementing an Effective Stress Management Plan as an action plan. And, embrace 7 Laws of Stress Management as principles to guide you in your efforts to maintain balance in your personal and professional life. |
| Life-Changing Strategies for Maintaining Balance in Your Personal and Professional Life |

| “Learn Healthy Ways to Manage Stress” |
| Health & Wellness |
| Wealth & Success |
| "Five Minutes a Day" |
| 5 Minutes a Day of Silence. 5 Minutes a Day of Writing. Accept that Stress is a part of Life, and Focus on taking One Step at a Time, One Day at a Time. Anthony D. Parnell |