Course Description

Module One: Getting Started

Welcome to the Stress Management workshop. Positive and negative stress is a constant influence on all of our lives. The trick is to maximize the positive stress and to minimize the negative stress. This workshop will give participants a three-option method for addressing any stressful situation, as well as a toolbox of personal skills, including using routines, relaxation techniques, and a stress log system.

The purpose of the Pre-Assignment is to get you thinking about the stress management strategies you are already using and where you would like to improve.

As a pre-assignment, you were asked to answer the following questions:

•       On a scale of one to ten, rate your current stress level. (One is no stress at all, five is moderately stressed, and ten is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.)
•       Where would you like your stress level to be?
•       What are the major stressors in your life?
•       What do you see as the major challenges to resolving your stress?
•       What are you currently doing to manage and reduce stress? What would you like to be doing?

Workshop Objectives

Research has consistently demonstrated that when clear goals are associated with learning, it occurs more easily and rapidly. With that in mind, let’s review our goals for today.

At the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

•       Identify the best approach to a stressful situation (Alter, Avoid, or Accept)
•       Understand what lifestyle elements you can change to reduce stress
•       Use routines to reduce stress
•       Use environmental and physical relaxation techniques
•       Better cope with major events
•       Use a stress log to identify stressors and create a plan to reduce or eliminate them

Module Two: Understanding Stress

To begin, let’s look at what stress is. We’ll also explore how stress can be positive and negative, and we’ll look at the Triple A approach that will form the basis of this workshop.

What is Stress?

The Random House Dictionary defines stress as, “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension,” and, “a situation, occurrence, or factor causing this.” The word “stress” actually comes from a Latin word meaning, “distress.”

Stress can be difficult to pin down because it is a very individual thing. For me, public speaking is very stressful – but it may be one of your great joys in life. Remember this during this workshop: since stress is individual, your approach must be personalized, too.

Typically, we interpret stress as a negative thing, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

What is Eustress?

“Eustress” means stress with a positive effect. It was coined by psychologist Richard Lazarus in 1974.

How can stress be positive, you ask? Think of the emotional strain caused by these positive events:

•       Winning a race
•       Being a new parent
•       Riding a rollercoaster
•       Watching a scary movie

In these situations, the physical, mental, or emotional strain actually produces positive emotions, rather than the negative emotions usually associated with stress. Without distress or eustress, life would be a pretty boring ride!