Stress affects all of us. Yet we know that "different folks suffer from different strokes" to parahprase an old saying. What is devastating to one may not bother another, even though some events may overwhelm us all. These differences have been well known and were somewhat codified in relation to research on heart attacks, where two types were identified, characterizing distinctive patterns of behavior, one of which was much more prone to carfdiac failure. Our own research suggests similar findings but provides more specific predictions of the kinds of stressors most likely to create intense pressure for us. More than that, the LIFO program provides methods for managing our "types" called "styles and orientations in our system so that we can cope with the myriad of stressors in our lives more effectively. Strangely enough, the very strengths, attitudes and values that underlie our successes also create our stressed feelings, when over used in uncomfortable, threatening and risky situations. They predispose us, eventually, to difficulties in managing and even subsequent illness. Yet their very presence gives us the key to mastering stress in our lives.
Recognizing our own patterns of behavior through a LIFO Stress Style Survey that highlights our successful and unproductive ways of functioning Workbooks that broaden insight into specific instances
Identifying stressors that are especially troublesome for us and ones we can handle with ease
The LIFO Strength Management® orientations
Understanding how and why our stressors create such havoc, depending on our orientations through lectures, workbook and special exercises
The 5 basic LIFO strategies for coping with stress.
Practicing stress management in simulations of work and family situations Changing meanings, developing skills and habits, building supports.