© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC 12/16/14 Dynamic Wellness Corporate 2013

© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC 12/16/14 Dynamic Wellness Corporate 2013

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

What is Stress?

Stress is our body’s response to anything that makes us feel pressured or threatened

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

The High Cost of Stress

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Stress produces a physical reaction in our body

Sometimes that's Good . . .

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OUR ANCESTORS' STRESS was primarily OUR ANCESTORS' STRESS was primarily PHYSICAL for SURVIVALPHYSICAL for SURVIVAL

Automatic / ReflexPowerful stress hormones prepared the body for “Fight or Flight”

− Adrenaline and Cortisol− Provided extra strength and energy

When danger passed, they relaxed−Hormone levels returned to normal

HISTORY OF STRESS

Without STRESS, man would have been Dinner!

© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Modern Stress: Mostly Mental or Emotional

PERPECTIVE IS KEY

© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Perspective

I don’t have a story so much as a work pattern. One of my favorite words is perspective. If you are in the middle of a big project or you feel you are reaching your point of no return, take a minute to really think about things… is what you are doing worth the amount of stress you are putting on yourself.

-Anonymous

Face it… it’s not life threatening - so relax and breathe … and keep that perspective check in place at all times. It will help.

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Anatomy of Stress

Thoughts and emotions produce physical responses that prepare us for “Fight or Flight”

The body responds to MENTAL stress exactly like it responds to LIFE- THREATENING PHYSICAL danger or stress.

The body doesn't know the differenceThe body doesn't know the difference!!

© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

LISA'S STORY"Automatic" Mind-Body

ResponseWaiting for parking spaceOther driver "steals" the spotLisa reacts "automatically" – she gets furious:– Pounds the steering wheel, curses

– Starts Mind-Body Imbalance

– Heart starts racing, breathing gets fast and shallow

– She's not even aware of physical changes

Result:– Negative attitude takes over

– Powerful hormones flood her body

– She finds another parking spot and has an unpleasant shopping experience

– Damaging chemicals keep circulating for several hours affecting her health

© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

The Power of the Mind

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Stress Hormones Affect All Major Body Systems

Respiratory

Digestive

Circulatory

Nervous

Muscular

Skeletal

Immune

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

"Life is about 20% what happens to us and 80% the way we respond to the events."

- Ted Engstrom

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

We can’t control all of the things that can cause us stress

But . . . We can control our RESPONSE to them if we understand how stress works

or

“It's not worth getting upset”“OH !#&$%!”

We do have a Choice!

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Stress Response Cycle

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

THE GOOD NEWS ???

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

AwarenessAwareness

Attitude

Attitude Actio

n

Actio

n

AWARENESS Knowledge of our Physical Response & Mental triggers

ATTITUDEUnderstanding how our Thoughts are Affecting our Reactions

ACTIONDecide to DO SOMETHING to Break the Stress Response Cycle

The DW "Triple A" Approach to

STRESS REDUCTION

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Stress Reduction Starts with AWARENESS

Awareness

Attitude

Attitude A

ctio

n

Act

ion

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

We can’t control all of the things that can cause us stress

But . . . We can control our RESPONSE to them if we understand how stress works

or

“It's not worth getting upset”“OH !#&$%!”

We do have a Choice!

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

We need to become aware of . . . Our Physical Stress Response

How do we feel? Where do we feel it?

- Heart pounding- Shallow, rapid breathing- Muscles tense (especially neck and

shoulders)

If we notice the physical signs of stress when they begin, we can stop our automatic response

We often experience stress without even realizing it

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Stress Awareness Exercise

What Causes YOU Stress and Where Do You Feel It?

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

PHYSICAL AWARENESS OF STRESS vs RELAXATION

How does that feel?

Clench all the muscle groups in your body

Now RELAX

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

STRESS HORMONES

Powerful Neurotransmitter Chemicals that carry signals between cells

ADRENALINE– prepares the body for action but designed for short bursts

CORTISOL – increases energy production in response to stress but can lead to weight gain

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

EFFECTS OF STRESS

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

SEROTONIN – Key Neurotransmitter

The “Feel-good” Chemical

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© 2008 DW GROUP, LLC

Stress Response Cycle