Stress & Its Management

Presented by-: Amrinder Singh

What Is Stress?
A dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, a demand , or a resource related to what the individual desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important

Stress are associated with

Demands:
Responsibilities, pressures, obligations, and even uncertainties that individuals face in the workplace

Resources:
Things within an individuals control that can be used to Resolve demands

Types of Stress
y

Eustress positive stress Distress negative stress

Can Stress Be Positive?

Stressors
Challenge stressors : Stressors associated with work load, pressure to complete tasks, and time urgency Hindrance stressors : Stressors that keep you from reaching your goals (office politics, confusion over job responsibilities)

Stress Model

Causes of Stress
y

Environmental Factors
Economic Uncertainty Political Uncertainty Technological Change
x Computers

Causes of Stress
y

Organizational Factor
Task Demands Interpersonal Demands Role Demands
x Role Conflict x Role Overload x Role Ambiguity

Causes of Stress
y

Personal Factors
Family Problems
x Relationship Difficulties

Economic Problems Personality

x Pessimism x Perfectionism x Inherent Tendency

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
What is it that differentiates people in terms of their ability to handle stress ? What individual difference variables moderate the relationship between potential stressors and experienced stress?

SIX MODERATING VARIABLES

Perception

Employees react in response to their perception of reality rather than to reality itself.
Job experience

Selective withdrawal
Coping mechanism Social support

Collegial relationships with coworkers or supervisors

SIX MODERATING VARIABLES

Hostility

High degree of anger leads to increase in stress. Locus of control Internal - They are in control of their life. External - They are controlled by their environment Self efficacy Confidence in ones own ability

Consequences Of Stress
Consequences

Accident Proneness

High Blood Pressure

Loss Of Appetite

Ulcers

Difficulty In Making Routine Decisions

Irritability

Consequences of Stress
High Levels of Stress

Physiological Symptoms

Psychological Symptoms

Behavioral Symptoms

Physiological Symptoms
The Early Concern About Stress Was Directed At Physiological Symptoms. However The Link Between Stress And Particular Physiological Symptoms Is Not Clear

Changes In Metabolism

Increased Heart And Breathing Rates

Increased blood Pressure

Induces Heart Attacks

Psychological Symptoms
The Symptoms Include

Anxiety Tension Irritability Boredom Procrastination

Behavioral Symptoms
These Symptoms Include :

Changes In
Productivity Absence Eating Habits

Increased Smoking And Consumption Of Alcohol

Sleep Disorders

Relationship Between Stress And Job Performance

Managing Stress

Managing Stress
Individual approach. y Organizational approach.
y

Individual approach
y

Effective individual strategies-:

Time management techniques. Increasing physical exercise. Relaxation training. Expanding the social support network.

Organizational approach
Some of the factors causing stress are controlled by the management e.g. task and role demand. y Effective management strategies-:
y

Improved personnel selection and job placement Training. Redesigning of jobs. Increased employee involvement. Improved organizational communication. Offering employee sabbaticals. Establishment of corporate wellness programs.

ABC
Always take time for yourself, at least 30 minutes a day. y Be aware of your own stress meter: know when to step back and cool down. y Concentrate on controlling your own situation, without controlling anybody else.
y

DEF
Daily exercise will burn off the stress chemicals. y Eat lots of fresh fruits, veggies, bread and water, give your body the best for it to perform at its best. y Forgive others, dont hold grudges and be tolerant not everyone is as capable as you.
y

GHI
Gain perspective on things, how important is the issue ? y Hugs, kisses & laughter: Have fun and dont be afraid to share your feeling with others. y Identify stressors and plan to deal with them better next time.
y

JKL
Judge your own performance realistically; dont set goals out of your own reach. y Keep a positive attitude, your outlook will influence outcomes and the way others treat you. y Limit alcohol, drugs and other stimulants, the effect your perception and behavior.
y

MNO
Manage money well, seek advice and save at least 10% of your earnings. y No is a word one need to learn to use without feeling guilty. y Outdoors activities by yourself, pr with friends and family can be a great way to relax.
y

PQR
Play your favorite music rather than watching television. y Quit smoking: it is stressing your body daily, not to mention killing you too. y Relationships: Nurture and enjoy them, learn to listen more and talk less.
y

STU
Sleep well; with a firm mattress and a supportive pillow, dont overheat yourself and allow plenty of ventilation. y Treat yourself once a week with massage, dinner out, movies etc. Moderation is the key. y Understand thing from the other persons view.
y

VWX
Verify information from the source before exploding. y Worry less, it really does not get things completed better or quicker. y Xpress: Make a regular retreat to your favorite space, make holidays part of your yearly plan and budget.
y

YZ
Yearly goal setting: plant what you want to achieve based on your priorities in your career, relationship etc. y Zest for life: Each day is a gift, smile and be thankful that you are a part of the bigger picture.
y

Existence of work stress need not imply lower performance. y Stress can have either positive or negative impact on performance. y For some low or moderate stress increases performance. y But stress for longer period, even low or moderate, declines the performance.
y