Optimal Stress Book

Preface v

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

part 1 stop stressing about stress

1 Understanding Stress and How It Can Work for You 7

2 Measuring the Risk: Stress, Health, and Wellness 22

3 Women and Stress: The Unique Impact of Stress on Women and How to Reduce It 56

4 What Is Causing You Stress 90

5 What's Really Important in Your Life: Defining Your Purpose, Passions, and Priorities 120

6 What is in Your Way: Change, Emotions, and Putting It All Together 145

part 2 optimal stress: living in your beststress zone

7 Discovering Your BestStress Zone and Achieving the BestStress Balance 181

8 Living in the BestStress Zone: Relationships, Roles, and Common Pitfalls 209

9 Defending and Nurturing Your BestStress Zone: Self-Care Strategies, Relaxation, and the Power Pause 243

Selected References 269

Index 273