Stress Management

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 !