STRESS HAPPENS

LAUGHTER

Children laugh about 400 times a day as compared to adults who laugh 17 times a day.

Don't cry like a baby laugh like one!

10 minutes of laughing is the equivalent to 30 minutes on the rowing machine.

Regular practice of laughing reaps the same benefits as yoga, meditation, mindfulness.

What is Stress

Body’s response to physical and psychological demands from the environment

How Does It Come OutMood, feelings (anxious, worry, scared, irritable, moody,

hyper, tired, scattered, overwhelmed)Thoughts (overwhelmed, blaming others, not taking

responsibility for one’s feelings or actions)Physical Sensations (sweaty palms, headaches, neck pain,

gastrointestinal)

Ways to Manage Stress

Clarify sources of stress (why am I so stressed out?)Self-care (sleep, eat well, move your body, connect with

others)Time Management Coping strategies (movement, a hot shower, listening to

music)Seek support

Counseling services, Health services, Primary care physician

Sleep Hygiene Tips

  Regular sleeping times Restrict bed to sleep and sex Read, watch television elsewhere If not asleep within 30 minutes get up and do something else. Room should be cool, dark, quiet, and enough blankets to keep body warm Avoid napping during the day Avoid exercise or caffeine 4-6 hours before going to bed Hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime. Use the time to relax and let go of

pressures from the day (candles, aromatherapy)

Rossman, Martin. Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep.

Relaxation Strategies

Mini RelaxationsProgressive Muscle RelaxationJournalingMindfulnessGuided Imagery Listen to audio instructions on websites (You Tube)MWCC Counseling Center Website

Another perspective

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift that is why it is called the present

• ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

What are your options

Accept the situation

Change the situation

Change your perspective

Stay angry/sad/depressed

“As a single footstep will not make a path on earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.”

• HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Make It A Great Day

Have a great day

Make it a great day.

What’s the difference?