Messin’ with Stressin’ Don’t let stress keep messin’ with your life! Turn the tables on it and mess with it! Causes of Stress • • • • • • • • • • • Culture Traffic Unmet expectations People/Relationships Procrastination/time management Clutter Poor communication Lack of control Too much to do (not saying ‘no’) Codependency Others? Top Causes of Stress in U.S. www.statisticbrain.com Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association U.S. Stress Statistics www.statisticbrain.com Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association Stress Impact Statistics www.statisticbrain.com Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association Stress Warning Signs Physical • • • • • • • • • • • Headaches Indigestion Stomach aches Sweaty Palms Sleep difficulties Dizziness Back pain/tight neck/shoulders Racing heart Restlessness Ringing in ears Tiredness Stress Warning Signs Behavioral • • • • • • • • Excessive Smoking Bossiness Compulsive gum chewing Attitude – critical of others Grinding teeth Alcohol overuse Compulsive eating Inability to get things done Stress Warning Signs Emotional • • • • • • • • • • Crying Nervousness/anxiety Boredom – things have no meaning Edginess – ready to explore Feeling powerless to change things Overwhelming sense of pressure Anger Loneliness Unhappiness for no reason Easily upset Stress Warning Signs Cognitive • • • • • • • Trouble thinking clearly Forgetfulness Memory loss Inability to make decisions Thoughts running away Constant worry Loss of sense of humor The more items that apply to you, the more stress you are under Experiences www.statisticbrain.com Statistic Verification: American Psychological Association Unhealthy Ways to Cope • • • • • • • • • • Smoking Drinking too much Over/under eating Zoning out in front of TV/computer for hours Withdrawing Using pills/drugs to relax Sleeping too much Procrastinating Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems Taking out your stress on others Preventive Measures • • • • • Exercise regularly Eat a healthy well-balanced diet Adequate Sleep Time Management/Planning ahead Give yourself a break But what about RIGHT NOW!!!! • • Laughter/Play/Humor Breathe! – Abdominal breathing – Do As One (doasone.com) • Exercise (yes, sorry to say) – – – – – – – Which type varies by person Walking Running Biking Swimming Tai Chi Yoga Aerial Yoga But what about RIGHT NOW!!!! • • • • • • • • Stress Balls/toys Journal Music Change of perspective (is it worth the stress?) Lighting Spiritual Tackling tough issues Vitamin B But what about RIGHT NOW!!!! • Meditation – – – • • • • • • • • Guided Mantra Mindfulness Massage (of course!) Progressive muscle relaxation Effective Communication Aromatherapy Herbal Teas Reflexology Learn to say ‘No’ Crystals But what about RIGHT NOW!!!! • Keep pictures of loved ones or cute things at your desk.