- The document is a handout for a "Stress Management Workshop" provided by the Alabama Mental Health Counselors Association during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 3-9, 2009).
- It includes sections for presenter name and contact information.
- Section I defines "Stressor" as triggers outside of you and "Stress" as your response to those triggers.
- Section II explains stress as a survival mechanism, lists physical/biochemical responses (digestion, reproduction, growth, tissue repair, gastrointestinal problems, heart disease, kidney disease), notes that stress can be unavoidable and necessary, and acknowledges it can be positive or impede performance.
- Section III presents a checklist of activities one might do when stressed right now, such as listening to music, playing with a pet, screaming into a pillow, taking a bath, watching a movie, painting, praying/meditating, going for a walk, calling someone, repotting a plant, putting a puzzle together, walking around the mall, throwing ice at a tree, beating a drum, cooking, tearing up a phone book, screaming out loud, playing an instrument, searching the internet, doing nails, writing a poem, organizing CDs, rearranging furniture, wandering around a bookstore, playing racquetball, taking pictures of nature, lighting scented candles, beating a pillow, shooting hoops, hitting a punching bag, building something, doing yoga, or taking a nap.
- Section IV introduces "Stress-Reducing Techniques," starting with "BREATHE," advising deep diaphragmatic breathing, practicing healthy breathing by blowing bubbles, and practicing this technique immediately with workshop favors.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of stress management worksheets.
