A certain amount of stress can actually enhance performance and productivity. However, continually high levels of stress have been linked to all of the leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, cancer, and lung ailments. This program analyzes the role of stress in day-to-day life and in overall physical and mental health. Sources of stress are identified, and techniques for managing stress are suggested. Information on how to improve personal communication—a powerful safety valve—is also provided. (30 minutes)

All people experience stress caused by life's physical and emotional changes; how well people manage the stress in their lives impacts their health. The fight or flight response occurs during the alarm phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome.

Some stress is good; eustress heightens physical and mental performance in demanding situations. Distress, or harmful stress, can be caused by school, work, relationships, peer pressure, and the typical troubles that occur in daily life.

Low self esteem and high stress levels can result from difficult family relationships during childhood. Using a personal support system of family or friends to ease emotional distress is an important strategy for maintaining health.

Environmental stress results from occurrences in physical surroundings like noise, pollution, and even natural disasters. Long term exposure to stressors can contribute to stress-related disorders, but it is individual reactions to stress, not the stressors themselves, that lead to illness.

New college students face significant stress in dealing with the demands and responsibilities of college life. Students who experience stress overload symptoms should visit campus health centers or community health resources.

College students report healthy and unhealthy strategies they use to deal with stress. Developing stress management strategies and healthy life management strategies are keys to preventing stress from negatively affecting life.

Physical activities and relaxation techniques effectively reduce stress caused by information overload and other stressors. Many people find relief from stress through hypnosis, yoga, massage, meditation, biofeedback, and breathing exercises.

A healthful diet fights stress by providing the body with nutrients that build physical and emotional stamina. Effective use of time management skills and strategies can prevent a great deal of daily stress.

Too much stress contributes to physical illness and negatively affects relationships. In a society that rewards overachievement, stress management skills are essential for maintaining physical and emotional well being.