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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:

ones 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

Job related stress:


work load overcrowding lack of support lack of on the job training

Stress Signs

Physical Stress Signs


Increased heart rate/ Increased blood pressure Muscles tightening Cold clammy hands Fatigue Sleeplessness Longer recovery from injury Stomach or bowel upset Headaches Backaches Change in eating habits: lost of appetite/overeating

Restlessness/irritability
Increased illness

Mental Stress Signs


Anxiety Forgetfulness Depression Apathy/ lack of interest Confusion
Decreased self-confidence Lowered self-esteem Increased anger

Excessive fear
Worry

Behavioural Signs of Stress


Hostility Irritability Under/over eating Decreased ability to concentrate Clumsiness Withdrawal from usual activities

Poor performance,
Absenteeism,

Memory problems /forgetfulness


Frequent use of cigarettes or alcohol

High accident rates


Making more mistakes

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 !

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