HEAL class 3-21-12

Dr. Halbur talked to the class today about stress:

Questions posed to the class included:

What stresses you as a medical student?
Some responses included:

• Finding a residency
• Patients that don't do what they are told
• Loans
• Life in general

What behaviors do you find yourself doing as a result of stress?
Some responses were:

• eating
• exercise

What are some signs that you are stressed?
Some responses included:

• irritability
• withdrawal
• fast heartbeat
• weight gain
• sleep disturbance
• cleaning making lists
• watching movies

There are 2 types of stress:
Eustress (good)
Distress (bad)

Causes of stress can be internal (negative self talk) or external (physical emvironment, other people, life events)

Tips for relieving stress:
Lower caffeine intake
exercise
sleep
relax
work/leisure balance
set realistic expectations
reframe
have a support system
humor

Activities that could relieve stress and that the class participated
in include:
guided imagery
relaxation exercises

It is important to remember to take care of yourself and to find out what works for you!

Please share your thoughts/comments on the topics and questions posed in today's class!