Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Part I. Understanding the Real Causes of Your Stress
1. How Stress Can Kick the Health Out of You
Learning Objectives
Tales of a Saber-Toothed Tiger
The Incredible Mind-Body Connection
Some Stress Is Actually Good for You
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
2. How Life Events and Changes Can Impact Stress and Illness
Learning Objectives
Your Recent Life Changes Score and Its Interpretations
The Life Event Stressors Inherent in Teaching
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
3. How to Recognize the Real Culprit: Your Internal Critic
Learning Objectives
The Origins of Our Belief Systems
Our Self-Talk and Our Emotions
Expose and Dispose of Your Internal Critic
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
4. How to Thrive Despite Being Genetically Wired With Stress-Prone Personality Traits
Learning Objectives
Two Personality Types That Promote Stress
You Can Start Modifying Some of Your Type-A Behaviors Today!
You Can Start Modifying Some of Your People-Pleasing Behaviors Today!
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
5. How to Deflect Stressors: Both Carefully Planned Plus Warp-Speed Techniques
Learning Objectives
Recognize Your Thinking Patterns
The Thinking Pattern Worksheet (TPW)
A Thought-Stopping Technique
A Calming-Breathing Technique
Write-It-Down Technique
Worry-Time Technique
Make a Contrac With Yourself
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
Part II. Prescriptions for Building Your Psychological Immunity to Stress
6. How to Harness the Power Within and Inoculate Yourself Against the Impact of Inevitable Stressors
Learning Objectives
How to Begin the Inoculation Process
How to Build Resilience to Stress: The Three Cs of Stress Hardiness
How to Build a Sense of Self-Efficacy
How to Use the Power of Goal Setting to Stay Focused Despite Stress Provocations
The Power of Desire, Imagination, and Expectation
How to Use the Power of Positive Affirmations to Develop the Three Cs and Accomplish Your Goals
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
7. How Fun and Laughter Can Inoculate You: Jest for the Health of It!
Learning Objectives
The Legacy of Norman Cousins
The Legacy of My Dad, Bill Singer
What Do You Really Get Out of Laughing?
Today’s Upsets are Tomorrow’s Laughs
Lighten Up Your Classroom
Lighten Up Both Your School and Your Life
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
8. How to Become and Remain a Resilient Person
Learning Objectives
Learning to Become Optimistic
How to Bring More Joy and Happiness Into Your Life
More Behavioral Prescriptions to Build Resiliency
Action Plan for Stress Mastery
References
Resource A. Glossary of Acronyms
Resource B. 77 Behavioral Prescriptions to Master Stress and Build Your Resilience
Resource C. A Deep-Muscle Relaxation Technique
Resource D. Web Sites Resources on Classroom Management
Index