PSYC 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet

PSYC 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet

Name

Chamberlain University

PSYC-110: Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

PSY 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet: Stress Effects

Problem:

The Impact of Stress on My Life
Due to the significant amount of stress I experience, I’ve found myself giving up on challenges more easily. Stress has led me to avoid many situations and flee from overwhelming issues. The anxiety caused by stress influences both my work and home life.

Challenges or Barriers Contributing to This Problem:

One major obstacle I face is my tendency to give up when feeling overwhelmed, whether at home, work, or with friends and family. I struggle to express my concerns and communicate effectively with others to resolve issues. Engaging in conversations during stressful situations only heightens my anxiety.

Solutions:

Solution #1:

Practice Relaxation Techniques (Meditation and Deep Breathing)

Advantages:

1. Staying calm enables me to maintain focus and work more efficiently.
2. Relaxation techniques can help regulate blood pressure.
3. Clearing my mind of negativity can foster a more positive mindset.

Disadvantages:

1. Focusing too much on stress might distract me from other life challenges.
2. Busy, stressful days may limit my ability to practice relaxation techniques.
3. Overemphasis on managing anxiety might interfere with family time and other responsibilities.

Solution #2:

Keep a Record of Short-Term Goals

Advantages:

1. Documenting goals provides clarity on what I need to accomplish next.
2. Short-term goals can motivate me to achieve them.
3. Goal setting enhances responsibility and organization when facing challenges.

Disadvantages:

1. Goals can evolve, making it hard to keep accurate records.
2. Unexpected events like illness can disrupt my plans.
3. Setting too many goals can create unrealistic expectations, leading to additional stress.

Solution #3:

Listen to Relaxing Music

Advantages:

1. Soothing music can help lower blood pressure.
2. Music positively impacts brain function.
3. It aids in maintaining focus and distracting from daily stress.

Disadvantages:

1. High volumes can harm hearing and distract from surroundings.
2. Some music can negatively affect blood pressure and stress levels.
3. Listening to music may not be feasible in every work environment.

Solution and Rationale:

Practicing relaxation and breathing techniques will help me manage tension without escalating negative emotions. By setting short-term goals, I can achieve manageable objectives while progressing toward long-term goals. Additionally, I will listen to calming music to stay relaxed in stressful situations.

Actions to Take:

• I will find a meditation class to learn relaxation exercises and breathing techniques.
• I will create a designated meditation space at home.
• I’ll maintain a calendar to track my goals and jot down future ideas.
• I will purchase headphones and curate a playlist of calming music that positively influences me.

Evaluation of Solution:

Meditation and breathing techniques have previously proven effective for reducing stress. I plan to research various methods and affordable classes that suit my needs. Learning effective relaxation strategies is a valuable investment of my time. Keeping track of my goals has also worked for me in the past, and with adequate time management, I can achieve both short- and long-term goals. Although music can be a helpful tool, I recognize the need for techniques that I can employ anytime and anywhere.

PSYC 110 Week 4 Problem Solving Worksheet

Next Steps if the Solution Isn’t Working:

If my solutions fail, I must identify the root cause of the issue. If relaxation techniques aren’t effective, I might need to explore the underlying problems more deeply. It’s important to reconsider my approach and possibly seek more proactive solutions rather than simply focusing on relaxation. Evaluating past strategies will allow me to adjust my approach and explore alternative solutions. Keeping an open mind to new ideas and being willing to experiment is crucial when my initial solutions don’t yield the desired results.