Course Summary:

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.

Course Objectives:

Research has consistently demonstrated that when clear goals are associated with learning, it occurs more easily and rapidly. 
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

Course Outline

Module One: Getting Started

• Workshop Objectives
• Pre-Assignment Review

Module Two: Understanding Stress

• What is Stress?
• What is Eustress?
• Understanding the Triple “A” Approach
• Case Study
• Module Two Review Questions

Module Three: Creating a Stress-Reducing Lifestyle

• Eating Properly
• Exercising Regularly
• Sleeping Well
• Case Study
• Module Three Review Questions

Module Four: Altering the Situation

• The First A
• Identifying Appropriate Situations
• Creating Effective Actions
• Case Study
• Module Four Review Questions

Module Five: Avoiding the Situation

• The Second A
• Identifying Appropriate Situations
• Creating Effective Actions
• Case Study
• Module Five Review Questions

Module Six: Accepting the Situation

• The Third A
• Identifying Appropriate Situations
• Creating Effective Actions
• Case Study
• Module Six Review Questions
• Module Seven: Using Routines to Reduce Stress
• Planning Meals
• Organizing Chores
• Using a To-Do List
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Environmental Relaxation Techniques

• Finding a Sanctuary
• Using Music
• Seeing the Humor
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: Physical Relaxation Techniques

• Soothing Stretches
• Deep Breathing
• Tensing and Relaxing
• Meditation
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: Coping with Major Events

• Establishing a Support System
• Creating a Plan
• Knowing When to Seek Help
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Our Challenge to You

• Creating a Stress Log
• Week One: Recording Events
• Week Two: Identifying Stressors and Creating a Plan
• Week Three: Creating New Habits
• Reviewing and Evaluating
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise