Managing Stress Today's presentation is based on the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program Presented by Bethany Home Inc. Outreach Services Coordinator ~Deb Brunner

Managing Stress ( Agenda) Introduction and Overview2.5 Managing Stress/Identifying Signs and Sources of Stress10 Taking Action: Stress Reducers5.5 Making an Action Plan 5.5 Progressive Muscle Relaxation/Closing 6.5

STEPS TO MANAGING STRESS 1.Recognize warning signs EARLY. 2.Identify sources of stress. 3.Identify what YOU can and cannot change. 4.Take action.

STRESS MY WARNINGS SIGNS MY SOURCES Identify your personal warning signs and sources of stress

RESULTS OF NEGLECTING STRESS Increased health problems. Disrupted relationships. “Burnout”. Depression. Decreased quality of care.

STRESS REDUCERS: WHAT I CAN DO It’s personal= Suits me

BARRIERS TO TAKING ACTION Barriers to taking action frequently include: Can’t think of what to do. Choosing a difficult activity. Postponing stress reduction. Recognize, then remove barriers

PARTS OF AN ACTION PLAN A good Action Plan has several parts. It includes: 1.Something YOU want to do. 2.Reachable. 3.Behavior Specific. 4.Answers these questions: What? How much? When? How often? 5. Confidence level.

Closing Thank you for participating in today’s presentation. In a few moments we will end the session with a relaxation tool called “Progressive Muscle Relaxation” Please remember these four items presented today: It is critical to take care of yourself. It is important to identify warning signs and sources of stress. It is important to take action to relieve your stress. Action Plans are a tool to help you reduce stress.