Page 6 - Inroads 9-1-2015.indd

FeaturesPage 6 September 1, 2015

Dan’ s Depot

Wit and Wisdom for the IDS Traveler

Dan Harper, Associate Director

Get off to A Stress-Free Start

Change and new beginnings are often sources of stress. As you embark on the next segment of your aca-
demic journey, here are a few tips to help you make your experience as stress-free as possible:

Distressful Beliefs

Do you harbor distressful beliefs? It helps to recognize them for what they are so that you can minimize
their effects. Examples of distressful beliefs include:
• Worry helps prevent future mistakes or bad fortune.
• We are failures because we do not measure up to the expectations of others.
• We are inferior or disadvantaged, which makes it hard or impossible for us to lead rewarding lives.
• Life is a series of win-lose contests, each requiring that we put our self-esteem on the line.
• Others should behave in certain ways; if they don’t we should feel frustrated, angry and morally indignant.
• Life should be free of discomfort; that it isn’t causes anxiety and frustration.
• Negative self-talk, believing one will fail or appear stupid, or be unequal to a task.
• Catastrophizing, believing that the worst possible outcome will occur and that it will be in tolerable.
• Worry about situations over which one has no control, e.g., terrorism, the national debt, being involved in

a plane crash.

Characteristics of the Stress Resistant Person

You may not be able to completely eliminate distressful beliefs, but there are characteristics you can develop
to become stress resistant. They include:
• Becoming open to change • Cultivating a sense of belonging and commitment
• Developing a feeling of involvement • Seeing change as a challenge, not a threat
• Developing coping Skills • Establishing a network of social support
• Cultivating a sense of control over events • Controlling one’s own attitudes
• Having enough self-esteem

Learn to Let Go

In the end, the best way to handle stress may be to let go of it. Try these suggestions:
• Avoid stress producing situations when you can. • Recognize situations and problems you cannot
• Don’t stay angry. remedy and turn them loose.
• Set realistic goals for yourself.
• Give others a break. • Devote some time to helping others.
• Take up a hobby. • Live one day at a time.
• Exercise. • Be good to yourself !

Brain Teaser Answer:

Turn on one switch and leave it on for a while. Then turn it off, turn on another, and go in to the room. One bulb will be
on, one will still be hot. Determine the third switch by process of elimination.