The American Institute of Stress

Healing From Trauma Does Not Take a Lifetime Contentment Magazine: Spring 2024 https://lnkd.in/ev7xvCWU

?? Why Work Stress Follows You Into Your Dreams Have you ever woken up from a stressful dream about missing a deadline, being late to work, or losing your job? According to Business Insider, a survey found that more than three-fifths of U.S. workers have workplace-related nightmares. Experts say these dreams often reflect deeper concerns—uncertainty about career stability, fear of failure, or internalized stress. Dream analysis through gestalt psychotherapy suggests that every element of a dream can symbolize aspects of the dreamer’s inner self. If work stress is following you into your sleep, it might be time to rethink your stress management strategies. Next time you have a stressful dream, exploring what it could mean about your feelings about work or other parts of your life could provide interesting insights. ?? Learn more about the most common work-related stress dreams at https://lnkd.in/gtjqU-KG ?? Explore our workplace stress management resources at https://lnkd.in/gHHuQfwx #AIS #WorkStress #SleepAndStress #StressManagement #BusinessInsider

?? Meet Angela Fertitta-Briley – Marketing & Donor Relations Director of AIS??? Angela Fertitta-Briley has led the charge for The American Institute of Stress’ marketing and donation efforts since 2022. With extensive experience in marketing and public relations in the fashion industry through her 27 years at Nordstrom, Angela brings a unique perspective to the American Institute of Stress. She has been a vital driver in upgrading the AIS website and securing partnerships with other scientific and academic organizations; Angela is now collaborating with AIS’s leadership team to hone our offerings for corporate wellness and employee assistance programs. When Angela is not working on extending the reach of The American Institute of Stress, she enjoys cooking, taking weekend trips with her family, and enjoying live entertainment. Join us in celebrating Angela’s work with AIS! #AIS #Leadership #StressAwareness

? Feeling Older Than You Are? Stress Could Be the Reason. Ever feel like life’s stressors have aged you overnight? According to a Psychology Today article by Suzanne Degges-White, Ph.D., your subjective age—how old you feel—can be influenced by both internal and external stressors. Research shows that stress can accelerate aging at the cellular level and weaken immune function. ?? What’s making you feel older? ? Chronic stress and exhaustion ? Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events ? The nonstop news cycle and exposure to negativity ? Feeling disconnected from others Stress impacts more than just your mood—it affects your body. Learn how to manage stress and slow down its aging effects in Degges-White’s article: https://lnkd.in/g9vVkG-X #AIS #StressManagement #HealthyAging #MentalWellness #PsychologyToday

The official trailer for The American Institute of Stress’ upcoming documentary, Beyond Fight or Flight: The New Science of Stress, is now live. This film will challenge traditional beliefs about stress and explore cutting-edge research that could change the way we understand its impact on the body and mind. Featuring insights from Dr. Lewis Coleman and Dr. David Mason, this film offers a fresh perspective on stress management and provides hope for the future of health and well-being. Watch the full trailer now on AIS’s YouTube channel here: https://lnkd.in/g7hDDBsa #AIS #StressScience #StressResearch #Documentary

?? Our Free April Webinar: Healing Grief with Music Grief is often seen as something we have to endure, but it’s really an emotional wound that requires care to heal properly. Join us this April for a 60-minute webinar with Tim Ringgold, MT-BC, as he explores how grief is a natural response to loss that can be fully healed with the right approach. We’ll Explore: - How unresolved grief can lead to chronic stress, affecting your physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being - Five ways music can soothe your emotional wounds - Six essential emotional wound-care strategies to support others grieving Whether you’re grieving or supporting someone else, this webinar will provide tools to help promote healing and emotional resilience. ?? Sign up for free today at stress.org/webinars and learn how to care for grief like you would any other wound. #AIS #Grief #StressManagement #MusicTherapy #Webinar

?? Work Stress and Cardiovascular Health: A Risk You Can’t Ignore A recent article from Jessica Nye, PhD, details findings from a Johns Hopkins study that links job stress with a higher likelihood of poor physical activity levels and unhealthy BMI, both of which can impact heart health. These findings emphasize that managing stress in the workplace is essential—not just for mental well-being but for heart health too. It's time to prioritize stress management both personally and organizationally. Learn more about the link between workplace stress and cardiovascular health here: https://lnkd.in/ggBSCgKa #AIS #WorkStress #HeartHealth #StressLess

?? Meet Will Heckman – Executive Director of AIS ??? Will Heckman, M.S., DAIS, is a driving force behind The American Institute of Stress as our Executive Director. Since 2019, Will has been dedicated to promoting stress awareness and helping individuals and organizations develop healthier stress management strategies. He’s also the host of Finding Contentment, our podcast that brings together leading experts to discuss stress, well-being, and resilience. In addition to his professional work, Will has a keen interest in motorcycling ???. He founded The Knights MRC, a national motorcycle organization, and is an active member of MENSA, bringing his intellectual curiosity and passion for personal growth to all aspects of his life. We are so grateful for Will’s leadership in advancing stress awareness and helping countless individuals lead healthier, less stressful lives. #AIS #Leadership #StressManagement #FindingContentment

Family dynamics can be a double-edged sword—bringing both stress and strength. How do we make our families sources of calm rather than stress??One tactic is to be more active as a family or even practicing mindfulness together can have big changes in your family’s stress management and resilience. In the newest episode of Finding Contentment Podcast, we explore different ways to navigate challenges and build stronger family bonds. Featuring Nancy Jernigan, PhD, LPC, FAIS, a leader in leadership development and family support, this episode provides valuable insights for fostering resilience. Don’t miss her article, Resilient Families: Creating a Stronger Family Bond, in the winter issue of Contentment magazine. ?? Listen now: https://lnkd.in/g6RG3QYS ?? Read her article in Contentment: https://lnkd.in/g9SJAfKz #AIS #FamilyStress #Exercise #Resilience #StressRelief

?? This Valentine’s Day, show yourself and your loved ones some self-care—whether you’re single or in a relationship. Stress affects us all, but practicing mindfulness and stress-reducing habits can help you feel more connected and at peace. Here are some of our favorite tips for this Valentine’s Day: Create a Calm Evening: Set the tone with a calm dinner at home—dim the lights, play soothing music, cook your favorite meal, and focus on what brings you joy. Take Time for Meditation: Sharing a quiet moment of mindfulness with anyone close to you is a great way to bond. If you’re feeling more like a moment to yourself, solo meditation can be a fantastic means of relaxing and connecting with yourself. Practice Gratitude: Acknowledge the positive aspects of your relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, and express appreciation for each other. What are some of your favorite ways to relax and connect more deeply with yourself and others? #AIS #ValentinesDay #StressRelief #SelfCare