The Stress Owner’s Manual

Meaning, Balance and Health in Your Life

 

•  What exactly is stress?
The definition in our book is that stress is our mind and our body reacting to some real or imagined situation. Every event in life causes some type of response in us. Sometimes our response will be determined by how we perceive the situation. Are we comfortable or threatened by it?

Stress is a part of living; it's nothing to be ashamed of. Stress is different for every person; it's different for each situation; it's different at different times in our lives. Don't be ashamed you have stress like the rest of us. Just be motivated to do something for yourself to make it better.

 

•  Why do some people seem to be more stressed than others?
Those who cope well have changed probably one of three things: the situation (event), their perception of the situation or their response to the situation. Sometimes a person changes all three.

Those who have learned how to change their stressful environment or done something to change their situation do such things as:

   - change jobs
   - wear ear plugs if noisy
   - take power breaks
   - get away at lunch
   - use less caffeine, sugar
   - get more regular exercise
   - use better time management techniques
   - have better or more consistent goal setting skills

Some individuals who don't seem to have much stress have learned how to change their response to a stressful situation by:

  - using relaxation and breathing techniques more regularly
  - having a positive mental attitude
  - being more assertive in their behavior
  - getting the right amount of sleep for their body
  - ensuring they have regular exercise
  - having fun
  - being honest with themselves about what they need and then setting good goals to go for it

Others have learned a better way of perceiving the situation that results in less stress. Some practices that help with this include:

  - having positive beliefs
  - coping with worry
  - ensuring there is a balance of prayer for their spirituality
  - not whining and feeling sorry for yourself
  - not blaming ____________ (you fill in the blank)
  - not expecting the world and your life to be perfect

The best way to be less stressed than others is to build up all three of these skills.

•  What can I do, NOW, that is simple, inexpensive, yet effective, to start
dealing with my distress level?

 - Begin by calming yourself. An easy, quick technique is a 3-minute body scan . Use it frequently during the day.
Accept the fact that you can change, believe it, want it and then act.

 - Act by getting our book! We have hundreds of suggestions to get you started.

 - Start anywhere to change a few things in your life. Start small, and then work up to bigger changes. Whatever comes to mind first is probably a good place to start.

 - Remember the healthy, fun things that you used to do that really helped. Go back to doing them!

•  Why is it important to not focus too much on one technique in dealing with stress?
Your life is complex with many roles and responsibilities. You are mind, body, and spirit. You probably are experiencing stress in several areas of your life. Coping with stress works best when you take small steps in several areas of your life. In The Stress Owner's Manual we encourage you first to look at your whole life, and then we encourage you to keep your changes manageable and simple.

•  What areas of life are examined in the StressMaps in your book?
Our approach is to have you look at your whole life systematically through six easy assessments: people, money, work, leisure, mind, body. There is nothing magical about these six areas except that they invite you to look at all aspects of your life before you start trying new things.

•  Can these ideas and techniques work with my children?
YES! Children are wonderful, eager learners. They learn by modeling, so you can help your children by being the best model of healthy living you can be. Start early, be consistent, explain what you are doing, and make it fun. Most techniques in our book can be adapted for children.  We have several references that deal specifically with stress in children.

•  How long will it take to implement the Stress Buffers (techniques and suggestions) in your book?
We encourage you to just start with a few techniques that make the most sense to you right now. Those first Stress Buffers may make a big difference in how you feel, and you won't have to worry about how long it will take to get through The Stress Owner's Manual. Here's a big secret: we put more Stress Buffers in the book than any one person could ever implement. Pick the ones that will do you the most good.

Our book is designed as a stress-free shopping guide. Read the first three chapters (29 pages), take the six easy assessments and then browse through the Stress Buffer sections.

 
•  What does eating have to do with stress reduction?
What you eat can cause distress in your life. Too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol, fat, too few fruit, grains, vegetables, too little water — all can lead to a body that is less than healthy. If your body is hurting, the rest of your life is going to be impacted.

•  I feel stressed, but I don't know exactly what the problem is. Can your book help?
This is a common feeling. The six, brief questionnaires in The Stress Owner's Manual can help you quickly find out what's bothering you. The six areas are people, money, work, leisure, mind, and body. We also have six Quick Guides that can help you assess other aspects of your life, which in turn can help you make positive changes. The six Quick Guides are:
— Physical symptoms of stress
— Psychological symptoms of stress
— Potential distress-related conditions
— Eating habits
— Power of your mind
— Barriers to personal power and change

•  What if I don't have the time to read your book?
That's a common response. You are busy, we understand.

Our book is NOT meant to be read from cover to cover. Read the first three chapters (only 29 pages), take 90 minutes to answer the six easy questionnaires (do it in several sittings if you choose), and then enjoy yourself as you browse through the remaining sections dealing with Stress Buffers. Our book is comprehensive, but it's easy to use. It's designed to be used as a quick-and-easy reference manual for years to come.