Psychology

How Do I Operate?

We’ve gone over a lot of information about reducing and managing stress. Now we’re going to make it personal. I want you to write in-depth answers to the following questions. Compare your answers with the material we went over. Indicate where you do not match, and what you can do differently to be a better match. I expect you to take this assignment seriously.

Write in-depth answers to the following questions. Compare your answers with the lecture material on Stress Management; indicate where you do not match, and what you can do differently to be a better match.

1. How do I solve my problems? Do I wonder “Why me?” and cry for help? Or, do I try to figure out what’s wrong and devise a plan to correct the problem? Use examples in your life to determine whether you believe you have internal control or are externally controlled.

2. Do I have a purpose in life? What is it? Am I often bored? Why? How could I alleviate boredom? What purpose do I think I should have? Would this purpose make my life more worthwhile?

3. What dietary stimulants (coffee, tea, etc.) do I use and how much? What other drugs (alcohol, nicotine, etc.) or drug substitutes (shopping, food, relationships, religion, control, etc.) do I use and how much? How do these affect my life?

How much aerobic exercise do I get? What is my activity level? How does this affect my life?

Do I have ways to really relax? What are they? Do I do relaxation exercises? Deep breathing? Should I?

4. Who do I have healthy relationships with? How much time per day or week do I interact with these people? Where could I fit in more time? What could I eliminate in my day to allow for more interaction?

5. How often do I laugh? How many times a day? Do I ever laugh when I’m alone? At myself? Do I have a sense of humor?

6. Do I have any physical limitations? What are they? How do they restrict me? Is it possible these could be reduced by lowering stress levels?

7. Am I an introvert or an extrovert? Explain why and give examples that would indicate you are one or the other. Do you make life choices that are in line with what you are? What do you choose to do for enjoyment? Are you comfortable with these things?

9. Using the Problem Solving Steps, indicate a current problem you are having and how it could be solved.

10. State a reasonable expectation for yourself in terms of stress management goals for this semester and for this year.