An interactive workshop that explores the recognition of stress as a normal part of our lives while teaching the tools we need in order to break the stress cycles--for both short and long term results. In order to accomplish this we incorporate a sense of play and enthusiasm that becomes an integral part of changing our negative behavioral patterns.

An entertaining stage program that is a solid example of what the day’s activities have addressed and proof of something we already know; that laughter is the best medicine

We all know what stress feels like. But here is a definition that brings the true nature of stress, in its complexity, into focus:

Stress comprises the internal and/or external forces that cause a person to become tense, upset or anxious. e.g. negative stress, or distress—what most people define as stress--can cause illness. Eustress is positive stress that stimulates a person to function better.

1. MAINTAINING BALANCE.  Determining your ability to handle stress through the use of the Hans Selye modality, known as GAS-general adaptation syndrome. The body is forever trying to maintain a balance. The three stages of stress are addressed--alarm, resistance and exhaustion--and the resulting physiological changes are presented. Covered under this is the classic workplace disease—Burnout.

2. IDENTIFYING YOUR STRESSORS.  Identifying your acute (short term) or chronic stress and understanding the implications of what chronic stress can do in our lives.  Often people are not aware that stress is a causative factor in seven of the ten leading causes of death as well as the dis-ease that results from stress: headaches and migraines, digestive problems and ulcers, and resistance to vaccines and other medications.

3. HOT OR COOL?  Identifying the individual’s classification as a Hot or Cool Responder. This simply means the level of one’s reaction to stressors. “Cool” responders are less reactive to stress than “Hot” responders. And these can be further broken down into classifications by age, sex and marital status.

4. UNDERSTANDING AND ACTION.  Concrete understanding and knowledge leads to concrete action. Once your stressors--and your reactions to them are identified--you are better able to take control away from the stress and return it to yourself. This may be carried out through various approaches.

a. Victimization rejection-we are not leaves tossed about by the whim of the winds. We always have the ability to take control and change things, especially our attitude which determines our response to any situation. Realization of this control is an integral part of healing and helping ourselves.

b. Lifestyle changes beginning with positive attitude adjustments are part of the answer for controlling stress. The most common stress in the United States comes through work. And some of the best ways of solving work-related problems is to anticipate, plan ahead, incorporate a positive mind set and through the well-known practice of imaging, rehearse potential difficulties that may arise so that your solutions are already in place should a negative situation arise.

c. The disassociation of emotions and learned behavior response that keeps us trapped within the limitations of our own making.

5. THE HUMANITY FACTOR.  All that has come before leads to nothing if we are not working on the most basics needs of the individual. These are universal and timeless. The individual needs to address the issues of proper nutrition, physical activity, relaxation and social support. These seminal issues provide the health, balance, focus and nurturing that every human needs to protect themselves in our stress-filled environment.

6. Creating a work environment in which each worker’s abilities, skills, gifts and individuality are recognized and appreciated. Creativity and problem solving cannot be expected from someone who is seen or treated as a number or a cog in the machinery. Knowing this, corporations, businesses, and organizations that want to be healthy, productive and profitable now recognize the need to address workers’ issues by providing a work environment that will be responsive to employee concerns. The worst-case scenario for both employer and employee alike are also the three greatest stress factors in the work place. a. low levels of support from supervisors. b. unrealistic deadlines. c. lack or worker involvement in the decision-making.

    7. COMMUNICATION.  Without communication—with self as well as with others, life at work (and away) becomes meaningless.  Through “self-talk”, affirming our lives and our identities, we can build our self-esteem and self-confidence, positive thinking, using positive words, creates positive behavior and one person’s positive behavior can have an astonishingly positive effect on other people.  In the same way, optimistic, encouraging, empowering support from one person can bring about positive changes in our colleagues, friends and family. Opening the channels of communication in a workplace first requires opening ourselves up to communicating with our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual selves.