Why do we have stress Why do we have stress and anxiety?and anxiety?

The Stress ResponseThe Stress ResponseStressor

Adrenal Glands (produce hormones)

Arousal of organs and tissues

Readiness for direct, decisive, physical action

Physical action Physical inactionReturn to Equilibrium Tension and Distress

Thinking Vs. CircumstancesThinking Vs. Circumstances

E V E N T

I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

STRESS!!

““These things are neither good These things are neither good nor bad; is nor bad; is thinkingthinking that makes it that makes it so.”so.”

Hamlet, William Shakespeare

WORRYWORRY

Pessimists Do Better At LawPessimists Do Better At Law(Martin Seligman, PhD)(Martin Seligman, PhD)

Tested the entire entering class of Virginia Law School (1990) with a measure of optimism versus pessimism and then followed these students for all three years.

Pessimists outperformed the more optimistic students on traditional measures of success such as grades and law journal.

Pessimism level was higher than the beliefs of clinically depressed individuals.

The Role of the CourtsThe Role of the Courts

A forum to resolve disputes and to test and enforce the rule of law in a just manner.

Problems are the central focusProblems are the central focus

When it comes to managing When it comes to managing stress, your MIND is your own stress, your MIND is your own

WORST ENEMYWORST ENEMY

““I’ve known many troubles in my lifeI’ve known many troubles in my life—most of which didn’t happen.”—most of which didn’t happen.”

-- Mark Twain

THE POWER OF NOWTHE POWER OF NOW

MINDFULNESSMINDFULNESS

A meditation practice:

The practice of paying absolute attention to where you are and what you are doing

Mental DisciplineMental Discipline

Developing the discipline to be able to stay present and to turn off distracting thoughts and worries when those worries are non-productive.