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Personal BalanceStanley Teacher Prep

Lynne Forstot

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Michele Forstot, Psy. D.Professional Consultant

Insights and Options, LLC(303) 518-7566

Insightsandoptionsllc@hotmail.comhttp://Therapists.PsychologyToday.com/rms/71427

Objectives

Understand the nature of stress

Recognize the 3 areas that impact stress

Identify how the mind plays a role in stress

Identify how to effectively manage stress

What is stress?

The body’s response to a demand

Physical

Emotional

Psychological

How the body responds to stress

Physiological release of adrenalin and hydrocortisone (cortisol)

Short term – some biological mechanisms are shut down to conserve energy for fight or flight

Long term – impacts physiological, psychological & emotional areas negatively (i.e., suppression of immune system)

Types of StressPositive

Short term

Motivates

May feel exciting

Improves productivity

Improves performance

Sharpens the mind/focuses energy

Types of StressNegative

Drains energy reserves

Causes emotional depression

Suppresses the immune system

Can change the way a person thinks

Can lead to mental and physical problems

Where stress comes from

Too many changes

Too high of expectations

Too much responsibility

Too much information provided

Stress Factor 1

Individual perception of stress Determines the effects on a person

Stress Factor 2

Personal and family resources Time Skill Financial resources Family resources

Stress Factor 3

Social Support Relationship with family, friends, community

Access to professional resources

Stress Defined

Ordinary Life Stressors Regular daily schedule Manage by: setting priorities, following a

schedule, having reasonable expectations, delegating

Developmental Stresses Stage of life issues Learning new things/changing old habits

Exercise:

What excites you?

What stresses you?

What can you do?

Personal Balance Goals

Complete Personal Balance/Self Care Plan