This document discusses the causes and effects of stress and anxiety. It explains that the stress response evolved to prepare our bodies for physical action in response to threats, but that modern stress is often caused by worrying thoughts rather than real threats. It suggests that the mind can be our own worst enemy when it comes to stress, as we often worry about problems that never actually happen or that are outside of our control. Mindfulness meditation is presented as a way to pay attention to the present moment and reduce distracting worries.

2. Why do we have stressWhy do we have stress
and anxiety?and anxiety?

3. The Stress ResponseThe Stress Response
Stressor
Adrenal Glands (produce hormones)
Arousal of organs and tissues
Readiness for direct, decisive, physical action
Physical action Physical inaction
Return to Equilibrium Tension and Distress

4. Thinking Vs. CircumstancesThinking Vs. Circumstances
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STRESS!!

5. ““These things are neither goodThese things are neither good
nor bad; isnor bad; is thinkingthinking that makes itthat makes it
so.”so.”
Hamlet, William Shakespeare

6. WORRYWORRY

7. Pessimists Do Better At LawPessimists Do Better At Law
(Martin Seligman, PhD)(Martin Seligman, PhD)
 Tested the entire entering class of Virginia Law
School (1990) with a measure of optimism versus
pessimism and then followed these students for all
three years.
 Pessimists outperformed the more optimistic
students on traditional measures of success such as
grades and law journal.
 Pessimism level was higher than the beliefs of
clinically depressed individuals.

8. The Role of the CourtsThe Role of the Courts
A forum to resolve disputes and to test
and enforce the rule of law in a just
manner.

9. Problems are the central focusProblems are the central focus

10. When it comes to managingWhen it comes to managing
stress, your MIND is your ownstress, your MIND is your own
WORST ENEMYWORST ENEMY

11. ““I’ve known many troubles in my lifeI’ve known many troubles in my life
—most of which didn’t happen.”—most of which didn’t happen.”
-- Mark Twain

12. THE POWER OF NOWTHE POWER OF NOW

13. MINDFULNESSMINDFULNESS
A meditation practice:
The practice of paying absolute
attention to where you are and
what you are doing

14. Mental DisciplineMental Discipline
Developing the discipline to be able to stay
present and to turn off distracting thoughts
and worries when those worries are non-
productive.