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.
7 Steps to 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
The 7 Laws of Stress Management: Life-Changing Strategies for Maintaining Balance in Your Personal and Professional Life
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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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Discover Greater Peace and Balance in Your Personal and Professional Life by Committing to a minimum of 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
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