Stress Management Resources
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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.
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 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 and 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
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 and 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 |
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
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” |