National Health Goals

Introduction

Physical Activity and Stress Management

• Regular activity and a healthy diet can help you adapt to stressful situations
• Physical activity can provide relief from stress and aid muscle tension release.
• The relation between physical activity and the stress response remains unclear.
• Physical activity can improve mental health.

Stress, Sleep and Recreation

• Stress can be both a cause and a consequence of impaired sleep.
• All work and no play can lead to poor mental and physical health.
• Free time is important to the average person.
• Recreation and leisure are important contributors to wellness (quality of life).
• To achieve wellness and stress reduction benefits, recreation should provide a sense of play.
• There are many meaningful types of recreation.

Time Management

• Effective time management aids in adapting to the stresses of modern living.

Coping with Stress

• Unresolved stress poses the greatest physical and emotional danger.
• Stress management training focuses on teaching active coping strategies.
• Coping with most stress requires a variety of thoughts and actions.

Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies

• Relaxation techniques and/or coping strategies can help in relieving stress.
• Various conscious relaxation techniques exist.
• Prayer and positive thinking can help you cope with stress and daily problems.

Appraisal-focused Coping Strategies (Cognitive Restructuring)

• Changing your way of thinking can help you cope.

Problem-Focused Coping Strategies

• Problem-focused coping is most effective in dealing with controllable stressors.
• Problem solving and assertiveness can help you cope.

Social Support and Stress Management

• Social support is important for effective stress management.
• Social support may be particularly important for women.
• Social support has various sources.
• There are many types of social support.
• Obtaining good social support requires close relationships.

Strategies for Action

• Several practical steps can help you identify and manage your stress.

Web Resources

Suggested Readings