Getting the Balance

Because of the way that we live today, we are almost certain to feel distress at some time or another, so we need to reduce the frequency and extent to which the stress balance tips into the distress zones. We can do this by decreasing the number and types of demands and by building up our coping resources. Coping resources include: practicing a positive lifestyle (diet, exercise, adequate sleep, etc.) positive self-talk, experiencing positive emotions, communications skills, life goal clarification, meditation and guided imagery will be thoroughly discussed in part 2 of this guide.

To gain a better understanding of the stress concept we now turn to the work of Dr. Hans Selye.