Balance of Responsibilities
Presentation by Rachel Rogers
Juggle Struggle
Life's Juggle
Activity Reactions
- What made that difficult?
- What worked?
- What things are we juggling?
- How do we keep these things "in the air"?
- What are you currently doing to balance all of your responsibilities?
- Where are your struggles?
Let's Play!
Debilitating Stress
When does stress become too much?
- Major or chronic stressors can be debilitating. These tax our brains and bodies to the point that there may be mental/physical health consequences.
- If our stress threshold is low, our attitudes around minor stressors can create more stress for us.
- Stress is all about our PERCEPTION! Take a roller coaster ride for example - one person finds it exhilirating and another person finds it terrifying.
- Stress is contagious! We may be taking on others' stress in addition to our own.
No Stress
What would we get done if we didn't experience ANY stress?
Motivating Stress
Stress can be USEFUL!
Stress motivates us to do things that can benefit us.
Examples: studying for a test, going to work (cue Destiny's Child "can you pay my bills?"), and even apologizing!
A high stress threshold will allow you to navigate pesky stressors with ease.
Meeting Your Needs
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Attitude
If perception indicates how much stress we really feel, then an "attitude adjustment" could be needed.
- Reframe a THREAT to a CHALLENGE
- Take a step back and see the bigger picture (what is important about this?)
- Gratitude Practices
Stress can help us hone in on a challenge and work to overcome it. However, we need not be SOLELY focused on that stressor. Build in time for YOU and what you enjoy. This will help improve your mood and ability to manage the presented stressor.
Action
Taking appropriate action steps will help resolve the stressor. And is more productive than simply complaining about the stress.
Start by prioritizing and organizing!
- What's important?
- What needs attention?
- What fulfills you?
Make a plan
- Write it down!
- Keep track of the schedule in a calendar.
- Allow for some flexibility and expect change to occur.
- Schedule in time for enjoyment.
Maintain the Balance
Prioritize:
-Meet needs first
-Approach the stressor directly
-Set boundaries and say "no" if you need/want to.
-Set goals to attain (short-term and long-term). Include action steps in goal setting (SMART goals).
Organize:
-Find ways to organize in an effective manner (like separate folders for different classes; a spreadsheet with ALL assignments and due dates in order)
-Stick to the plans and organization strategies
Time Management:
-Keep a planner -Schedule in time to deal with the stressor (i.e. studying)
-Be realistic
-Schedule in fun
-Set reminders in phone/computer calendar.