hw410 Final Project Recap

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In the course HW410 Critical Issues in Stress Management and Prevention, we

studied stress from many different perspectives. From the physiology of stress delving
into the fight or flight mechanism and the neuroendocrine pathways, to very personal and
individual coping techniques such as meditation. This class covered a large spectrum and
was a great introduction to stress prevention and management. In our final project, we
created a stress management and prevention guide. In this guide we summarized at least 3
main points from each unit. We also added stress prevention and management exercises
such as journaling or guided visualizations. Finally, we listed useful references to use
later in our personal and professional lives. Below are a few examples of the exercises
we completed in the course.
EXERCISE
7.5
Your Personal Value
System
We all have a personal value systema core pillar of the human spirit that is
constantly undergoing renovation. What does your value system currently look like?
Perhaps this diagram can give you some insights and, in turn, help resolve some
issues that might be causing stress.
The circle in the center represents your core values: abstract or intangible constructs
of importance that can be symbolized by a host of material possessions. It is
believed that we hold about four to six core values that constitute our personal belief
system, which, like a compass, guide the spirit on our human journey. Give this
concept some thought and then write in this circle what you consider to be your
current core values (e.g., love, happiness, health).
The many circles that surround the main circle represent your supporting values:
those values that lend support to your core values (these typically number from five
to twelve). Take a moment to reflect on what these might be and then assign one
value per small circle. Inside each small circle, include what typically symbolizes that
value for you (e.g., wealth can be symbolized by money, a car, or a house). Finally,
consider whether any stress you feel in your life is the result of a conflict between
your supporting and core values.
Paramount Wellness Institute. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
EXERCISE
in Life
7.6 Your Meaningful Purpose
Knowing that your purpose in life may change many times in the course of your life,
for this exercise, first write down (in a few words to a sentence) what you consider to
be your life purpose now, at this point in time. Then take a moment to briefly
describe what you considered to be your purpose in life at the start of each decade of
your life (e.g., at age twenty it might be or have been to graduate with a college
degree, at age thirty it might be or have been to raise a family or start a business).
Now ___My purpose is to take care of my family and contribute positively to the
world through good values and humility.
Age 60 ___Not yet reached this age.____________
Age 50 __Not yet reached this age._____________
Age 40 ___Not yet reached this age.____________
Age 30 ___Take care of my wife, be happy, spread positivity and kindness.
Age 20 __Grow up and stop being so selfish.___Learn to love myself.
Age 16 __No purpose. Figure out my purpose.__________
EXERCISE
7.8 Distractions of the Human
Path
Distractions can best be described as those things that pull us off the spiritual path
indefinitely.
Distractions begin as attractions, but their allure can often cast a spell of
slumber on the soul-growth process. Although a respite on the human journey is
desirable,
and even necessary at times, a prolonged distraction will ultimately weaken
our spiritual resolve. The human spirit, like energy, must flow, never stagnate.
The lessons of distractions are quite common in fairy tales. Whether it is the
story of Pinocchio or Hansel and Gretel, the warnings regarding distractions are as
plentiful as the distractions themselves. The lessons of distractions are common in
the
great spiritual teachings as well. Here they are called temptations. Not always, but
often,
attractions that become distractions have an addictive quality to them.
What happens when we become distracted? Metaphorically speaking, we fall
asleep on the human path. Like Dorothy and her friends on the way to Oz who
stepped
off the yellow brick road to smell the poppies and fell fast asleep, we too lose our
direction,
our mission, and our energy stagnates. The end result is never promising.
Unlike roadblocks, distractions are not meant to be circumvented, dismantled,
or even transcended. Rather, they are meant to be appreciatedperhaps from afar,
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perhaps enjoyed briefly and then left behind. Fairy tales aside, what are
contemporary
distractions? Common examples of everyday distractions might include social
contacts,
alcohol, television, cell phones, and the Internet.
Take a moment to reflect on what might be some distractions in your life. Make
a list and describe each one in a sentence or two. Upon recognition of these, what
steps can you take to wake up and get back on the path?
1. _____Television: I could be using my time better and go volunteer in the

community and make a difference, but after the work week I am tired and just want
to relax and watch TV mindlessly. Maybe I should have designated TV times and
exceptions only to my favorite shows.
2. _____Facebook: Sometimes I realize my wife and I are just scrolling along

and not appreciating eachother. I have to remember to just put the phone
down._________________________
3. _____Work calls/texts: I have to answer these, but sometimes if it is not
an emergency, I can wait to answer. I have to put my phone in the back seat
sometimes because I get tempted to check it while driving if it goes
off._________________
4. _____Money: Focusing on saving money and paying bills can sometimes
distract me from what really matters in life to me; family, happiness,
kindness________
5.
_____UNKNOWN______________________________________________________
____
___
______________________________________________________________
References
Seaward, B. (2009). Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and WellBeing. Sudbury, MA. Jones and Bartlett Learning

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In the course HW410 Critical Issues in Stress Management and Prevention, we

Your Personal Value

7.6 Your Meaningful Purpose

7.8 Distractions of the Human

1. _____Television: I could be using my time better and go volunteer in the

2. _____Facebook: Sometimes I realize my wife and I are just scrolling along

Paramount Wellness Institute. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

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