Stress Management Resources
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.
                                   Seven Steps to Developing and Implementing
                                 an Effective Stress Management Plan


Step Number 1:  Declutter One’s Thoughts and Emotions

Step Number 2:  Identify Warning Signs & Stressors

Step Number 3:  Develop Prioritized Stress Management Goals

Step Number 4:  Identify Internal & External Resources

Step Number 5:  Declutter One’s Physical Environment

Step Number 6:  Surround Oneself with Positive People, Places and Things

Step Number 7:  Putting It All Together


              
                    The 7 Laws of Stress Management

Law Number 1:  Stress Management is a Lifestyle that Requires an Individual
           to be Proactive rather than Reactive

Law Number 2:  Every Individual Needs an Adequate Amount of Time Alone
          and Silence to Maintain Balance in His Daily Life

Law Number 3:  Honesty with Oneself is Essential        

Law Number 4:  Developing Greater Self-Awareness is Required to Maintain
          Balance in One’s Personal & Professional Life

Law Number 5:  Balance Can Be Achieved Only When There is an Equal
          Commitment to One’s Mind, Body and Spirit

Law Number 6:  Developing Realistic Expectations Allows One to Set  
          Realistic Goals

Law Number 7:  Long-Term Change Requires Discipline, Patience and a
          Commitment to the Daily Process of Maintaining Balance
Life-Changing Strategies for Maintaining Balance
in Your Personal and Professional Life
                                                  WEBSITES:

www.cdc.gov/niosh The National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) offers more detailed information about job stress.  
Additionally, NIOSH, as part of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) is the Federal agency responsible for conducting research
and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related illness and
injury. As part of its mandate, NIOSH works with industry, labor and academia
to better understand the stress of modern work, the effects of stress on
safety and health, and ways to reduce stress in the workplace.  NIOSH can
also be contacted by email: pubstaft@cdc.gov or call 1-800-232-4636.

www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm A detailed outline of stress
warning signs and symptoms (behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and physical)
and other health related questions.              

www.medicinenet.com A detailed outline of stress warning signs and
symptoms and other health related questions.

www.apa.org (American Psychological Association) Information on stress
and other health related questions.

www.napo.net (National Association of Professional Organizers)
Professional assistance in decluttering and organizing your home and work
environment.

Locating a Psychologist or Mental Health Professional in Your Area:
For a list of consultants in your area who specialize in job stress, contact the   
American Psychological Association (APA) 1-800-964-2000.

Licensed Mental Health Therapists; Contact the Board of Behavioral Science
Examiners for your state or look in the yellow pages under Mental Health
Information, Psychologists and Psychotherapists.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
A 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal
crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). With over 120
crisis centers across the country, you will be routed to the closest possible
crisis center in your area. www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
“Learn Healthy Ways to Manage Stress”
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Wellness
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"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