Holistic Stress Management

Stress affects each of us every day and while some of us rise to the occasion, others experience myriad physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects. How we cope with stress can determine the current and future state of our health and well-being. Our bodies react to the signals sent to us by our brains during stressful episodes and these signals affect every system, especially the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

There are many holistic stress management techniques including self-awareness, cognitive restructuring, effective communication, guided imagery, social support, art therapy, and journaling.

1. Describe the concept of stress.
2. Identify the stages of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS).
3. Describe types of stress.
4. Explain the role of stress on the individual.
5. Describe the physiology of stress.
6. Explain the concept of psychoneuroimmunology.
7. Identify the ways self-awareness can help an individual manage stress.
8. Describe the roles of cognitive restructuring and effective communication in stress management.
9. Explain the role of imagery in stress management.
10. Describe the impact of social support on health.
11. Describe art therapy and its role in stress management.
12. Explain how journaling impacts health and can address stress.