Stress Management
Contents
Introduction
What is stress
Reasons
Symptoms
Impact Managing Stress
Introduction
Stress is part of our everyday life.
Living in a fast-paced, technological society with innumerable demands upon our time, the majority of people can state: “I am stressed out.”
What is stress? Where does stress come from? How can I tell when I am under stress? What are some of the ways stress affects my body, my mind, or my mood? How can I better manage the stress in my life?
What is Stress
In his book Stress Without Distress, Hans Selye defines stress as:
“… one’s reaction to life events … the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it …”
“Our response to any situation we find challenging, frightening, or difficult”
Stress
• Everyday fact of life
• Stress can be good • Excessive stress can be harmful
Typical Relationship Between Performance and Stress
High (excellent) Too Little Stress Optimum Stress Excessive Stress
Low (poor)
Level of Performance
Low Stress
High
Positive Stress Results
• Enables concentration • Increases performance
• Energizes you into motion
Negative Stress Results
• Loss of motivation • Reduces effectiveness
• Physical, mental, and behavioural problems
What Stresses You Out?
Money Traffic Health/Medical issues Lack of Free time
Relationships
family & friends work load overcrowding lack of support lack of on the job training
Job related stress:
Stress Signs
Physical Stress Signs
Increased heart rate/
Increased blood pressure
Stomach or bowel upset Headaches Backaches
Muscles tightening Cold clammy hands
Fatigue
Sleeplessness Longer recovery from injury
Change in eating habits:
lost of appetite/overeating
Restlessness/irritability Increased illness
Mental Stress Signs
Anxiety Forgetfulness Depression Apathy/ lack of interest
Worry Lowered self-esteem Increased anger Excessive fear
Confusion
Decreased self-confidence
Behavioural Signs of Stress
Hostility Clumsiness
Irritability
Under/over eating Decreased ability to
Withdrawal from usual
activities
Poor performance, Absenteeism, High accident rates Making more mistakes
concentrate
Memory problems
/forgetfulness alcohol
Frequent use of cigarettes or
Impact of Stress
Impact on health of an individual
Back pain
Headaches
Stomachaches
Ulcers
High Blood Pressure Heart Attack or Stroke
Impact on the health of an organization
Increased health insurance costs
Lost work days
Stress-related workers’ compensation claims
Lower Productivity
Over 75% of industrial accidents are rooted in stress
How to Manage Stress
Mental Techniques
• Time management • Organize
• Problem solving attitude
Think Positive
Diversions
• Music • Hobbies
• Play
• Learning • Vacation
Physical Techniques
• Body Scan – “relax-let go”
• Deep breathing
• Exercise • Meditation • Nutrition • Rest • Laughter
Workplace Skills
• Delegate • Anticipate problems • Be assertive • Be decisive • Organize • Balance work and personal time
Organizational Stress Management Initiatives
Organisational Initiatives
Improvements in the physical work
environment
Changes in Job design
Changes in workloads and deadlines
Changes in work schedules,
More flexible hours
Increased employee participation
Organisational Initiatives
Team building Time management workshops Job burnout workshops Training in relaxation techniques Career counseling
" SUCCESS BELONGS TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN LOOK AT THE COMPLEX CHALLENGES OFFERED BY THE WORLD AS INSPIRATION."
Thank You !