Keep Your Head Above Water

Stress is a fact of life. Stress can be defined as a reaction to physical, psychological or emotional demands. As a positive influence, stress can become useful and healthy; viewing events as challenges can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, stress can become distressful and unhealthy; viewing events as threats can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger and depression.

Uncontrolled stress facts

• 60% of employee absences are due to psychological problems such as stress
• 75-90% of visits to primary care are due to stress-related problems
• Stress can contribute to heart disease, migraines, stomach or bowel problems,dizziness, high blood pressure and other illnesses in many individuals

Ways to manage stress effectively

• Know and accept what kind of person you are: strengths and weaknesses
• Eat healthy well-balanced meals
• Expand your support network, reinforce friendships/relationships
• Exercise to release endorphins in your body, promoting a feeling of well-being
• Learn and practice relaxation skills that work for you
• Get enough sleep (8 hours recommended for adults)
• Add balance to life
• Do activities you enjoy
• Take a step back from problems. Ask yourself: Will this matter in a year?

References:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stress.html
http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management

Resources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/stress.html
Website for health professionals and consumers providing stress overview, sites for coping with stress and links to other resources related to stress.

http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management
In-depth information on stress management and links to stress related topics. Free on-line interactive tool: How Well Do you Bounce Back? Resiliency quiz

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Counseling for WMHS employees and immediate family members. EAP can be reached by calling 301-723-6487

Books:

• Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backward by Brian Luke Seaward, PhD
  The stories in this book offer encouragement and guidance, hope and faith, and most of all, a fresh point of view.
• The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis
  
• Easy to understand and follow exercises and techniques you can use to lower and manage anxiety and stress. Workbook is also useful for a wide variety of related problems such as depression and difficulties sleeping.
• The Resilience Factor by Karen Reivich, PhD & Andrew Shatte, PhD
  Improve the capacity to handle life's inevitable surprises and setbacks by practicing the seven key skills outlined in The Resilience Factor.

Music:

• Music to De-Stress by Gustav Mahler, (composer) & Archangelos Chamber Ensemble (Performer)
  Music to de-stress supports deepening levels of mind/body revitalization designed to soothe and strengthen a fatigued nervous system.