Stress Management for WellnessDr. Daniel Crosbywww.doctordanielcrosby.comdaniel@doctordanielcrosby.com

Discovering StressFirst coined by Hans Selye-endocrinologist in the 1930’s“Discovered” while injecting miceProcess was the problemMet with intense skepticism

Stress vs. BurnoutStress

Specific response by the body to a stimulus, such as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism.Stress is fundamentally about being out of balance.

Burnout

Exhaustion of physical or emotional strength usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration. Burnout is fundamentally about a perpetually high stress level that leads to a loss of functioning.

Anatomy of Burnout

Stress: Good or Bad?

EustressPositive form of stress or stress that increases performance.

DistressThe more commonly discussed form of stress that causes suffering and/or decreases performance.

Stress and Performance

Barry BondsHit 10x fewer homeruns in the days leading up to breaking the previous record of 755.

First transition to Gagan

Stress and Health What percentage of visits to a general practitioner are caused or exacerbated by stress?

Stress and HealthCauses us to store visceral fatShown to stunt children’s growthIncreases risk of CV diseaseIntensifies symptoms of diseases with autoimmune components (e.g., arthritis)Root cause of much anxiety and depressionImplicated in hypertension, ED, infertility, colds, and insomnia

What have you seen? Stress-related depression is the number one cause of missed work10% of GNP or 1.47 trillion dollarsStress robs us of creativity by crowding our minds with unnecessary worriesLose IQ and EQ points – make dumb decisions in interpersonally uncomfortable waysWhen we need it most we have it least!

1,470,000,000,000 Reasons to Fight Stress

Tips for Balance and Wellness

Choose your response – Viktor FranklControl – order life and discern what can be controlledSocial support – want it least when it is most needed

Balance and WellnessPhysical activity – releases stress-battling endorphinsRecognized Body/Mind ConnectionBehaviors – “I smile therefore…” Nutrition – avoid “comfort foods”, drugs, and alchohol

Turn time back to Gagan