Stress Management

Your Stress Profile

Taken from the Stress Management Sourcebook by J. Barton Cunningham, Ph.D.

Stress Warning Sings

Which of the following warning signs affect you?  To seek help to reduce stress, call Counseling Services at 765-658-4268.

Cardiovascular
Warnings		 Immunological
System Warnings 		 Emotional and Psychological
Warnings		 Digestive System
Warnings		 Musculoskeletal
Warnings
Faintness Feeling overworked Anger Indigestion Backaches
Out of Breath Tired Sweaty palms Compulsive eating Muscle Tightness
Tired Trouble thinking clearly Sleep Difficulties Stomachaches tight neck/shoulders
Racing heart Forgetfulness Loneliness Diarrhea/uneven stools Headaches
High Blood Pressure Memory loss Crying Nervous Stomach
Indecisive Anxiety Excessive gas
Constant worry Easily upset Constipation
no sense of humor feeling powerless
Edgy/ready to explode



Stress Management

  • When you can't stand any more stress go to the coin laundry and throw in the towel

  • Play "Go Fish" with a three-year old.  Win.

  • Replace your "in-box" with a garbage can.

  • When stress takes its toll, ask for a receipt.

  • Need to escape the grind?  Have an out of body experience.

  • Answer a highly technical question in your best Donald Duck voice.

  • For comic relief from stress, laugh at inappropriate times.

  • Avoid rush hour stress.  Drive slowly, and honk and wave to pedestrians.

  • Place a mark on your body to show where you've had it up to.

  • For a quiet evening, play a blank tape at full volume.

  • Wrap yourself in bubble wrap.

  • Gazing at water is soothing.  Fill the sink and pull up a chair.

  • Glue your old shoes to the ceiling. 

  • Pretend that you're someone else.

  • Organize a hum-a-long.  It's hard to feel stressed when you're humming.

  • Shake hands enthusiastically with yourself.

  • Urge those who are annoying you to go sit on a rutabaga.

  • Too much to do?  Complain loudly and incessantly.  You'll get further behind, but you'll feel better. 

  • Write a memo congratulating yourself for being so wonderful.

  • Take an eight-hour lunch break.

  • Pretend that you're still in control.

  • Fill your hot tub with chicken soup.

  • Eat gelatin with chopsticks.