Stress Management

Pardess Mitchell, EdD, MCHES, is a professor at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, where she also serves as department chair. She teaches a variety of courses, including health, women's health, community health, drugs in our culture, and public health, all of which cover the topic of stress management. Pardess Mitchell recently coauthored Drugs Across the Spectrum, Ninth Edition (Cengage, 2024) and has contributed to other textbooks, including Access to Health and Health: The Basics (both from Pearson). She received her bachelor's degree in health education from the University of Maryland, her master's degree in health education from Southern Illinois University, and her doctorate in education, curriculum and instruction from Northern Illinois University.

Part I. Introduction to Stress and Well-Being Chapter 1. Understanding Health and Wellness Defining Health and Wellness Influences on Wellness Dimensions of Wellness Mind-Body Connection Proactive Ways to Manage Stress Summary Chapter 2. Understanding Stress Stress and Stressors Stress Response Stages Types of Stress Optimal Levels of Stress Stress Reactivity Societal Stress Summary Chapter 3. Stress and the Body Nervous System Endocrine System Reproductive System Cardiovascular System Enteric Nervous System Renal System Musculoskeletal System Respiratory System Immune System Integumentary System Summary Part II. Managing Stress Using Dimensions of Wellness Chapter 4. Physical Wellness Physical Activity Healthy Eating Rest, Relaxation, and Sleep Summary Chapter 5. Emotional Wellness Function of Emotions Emotions and Stress Basic Emotions Managing Emotions Self-Awareness Resilience Self-Esteem Choosing Optimism Positive Self-Talk Laughter Summary Chapter 6. Intellectual Wellness Benefits of Intellectual Wellness Intellectual Wellness and Stress Enhancing Intellectual Wellness Goal Setting and Stress SMART Goals Problem Solving Changing Distorted Thinking Resilience and a Growth Mindset Summary Chapter 7. Social Wellness Benefits of Social Wellness Social Support and Stress Relationships Interpersonal Communication Managing and Resolving Conflict Summary Chapter 8. Spiritual Wellness Spirituality and Religion Components of Spiritual Wellness Spiritual Wellness and Stress Altruism Gratitude Empathy Compassion Summary Chapter 9. Environmental Wellness Environmental Wellness and Stress Personal Surroundings Nature Built Environment Light Temperature Air Quality Noise Color Summary Part III. Practical Strategies for Managing Stress Chapter 10. Mind-Body Approaches Yoga Meditation and Mindfulness Breath Work Art Therapy Movement Therapy Summary Chapter 11. Proactive Approaches Strengths-Based Approach to Stress Management Identifying Your Triggers Practicing Self-Care Planning and Prioritizing Managing Your Time Managing Your Resources Leveraging Support Knowing When to Seek Professional Help Summary