Course Description:

Psychological stress occurs when there is a threat of a net loss of personal resources; when there is actual loss of resources; or when there is a lack of resource gain following the investment of resources.  Resources can be things like money; can be personal characteristics, skills or creativity, relationships, intangibles such as seniority, or psychic states such as self-esteem.  

Almost every system of your body can be damaged by stress.  However, as a member of modern society, you have available to you a variety of methods to cope with the negative effects of stress.  The goal of stress management training is not merely stress reduction but finding the right types and amounts of stress, given your individual personality, priorities and life situation, so that you can maximize your performance and satisfaction.  

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Integrate the two most common psychological responses to stress: depression and anxiety and physiological response to stress: somatization

  • Recognize how your body reacts to the stressors in your life.

  • Learn and practice progressive relaxation technique to alleviate stress.

  • Learn cognitive mechanisms to refute irrational thoughts and control negative thinking patterns.

  • Learn goal setting skills and time management techniques to enhance the quality of your life.

  • Improve your assertiveness skills so that you get what you want without impinging on other people’s needs.

  • Understand the risks of job burnout, which leads to demoralization and despair.

  • Plan and maintain a healthy life style that includes an exercise regimen and healthy nutrition.