Job stress and its Management

BINSHA DENNIS

??? Mrs. Smitha, an in-charge nurse of

oncology ward, having finished her duty reached home complaining of uneasiness, irritability and lack of interest in daily work.

General AwarenessWhat is Stress ?Types CausesSymptomsManagement

Stress feelings Worry Tense Tired Frightened Elated Depressed Anxious Anger

Stress and its types

Stress is the “wear and tear" of our minds and bodies, experience as we attempt to cope with our continually changing environment

TYPES OF STRESS•External•Internal

External stressors

Physical Environment Social Interaction Organizational Major Life Events Daily Hassles

Physical environment Noise Bright Lights Heat Confined Spaces

Social interaction• Rudeness• Bossiness• Aggressiveness by others• Bullying

Organizational • Rules• Regulations• “Red - Tape”• Deadlines

Major life events• Birth• Death• Lost job• Promotion• Marital status change

Daily hassles• Commuting• Misplaced keys• Mechanical breakdowns

Internal stressors• Lifestyle choices• Negative self – talk• Mind traps• Personality traits

Life style choices• Caffeine• Lack of sleep• Overloaded schedule

Negative self talk• Pessimistic thinking• Self criticism• Over analyzing

Mind traps• Unrealistic expectations• Taking things personally• Exaggeration• Rigid thinking

Personality traits Perfectionists Workaholics

Kinds of stressNegative stress Positive stress

The individual Everyone is different, with unique

perceptions of, and reactions to, events.

There is no single level of stress that is optimal for all people.

Some are more sensitive owing to experiences in childhood, the influence of teachers, parents and religion etc.

Symptoms of stress Physical symptoms Mental symptoms Behavioral symptoms Emotional symptoms

Physical symptoms

• Sleep pattern changes• Fatigue• Digestion changes• Loss of sexual drive• Aches and pains• Infections• Indigestion• Dizziness• Sweating & trembling• Breathlessness• Palpitations

Mental symptoms

Lack of concentration Memory lapses Difficulty in making decisions Confusion Disorientation

Behavioral symptoms

Appetite changes - too much or too little Increased intake of alcohol & other

drugs Increased smoking Restlessness Fidgeting Nail biting

Emotional symptoms Bouts of depression Impatience Tearfulness Deterioration of personal hygiene and appearance

Stress related illness Stress is not the same as ill-health, but has

been related to such illnesses as; •Cardiovascular disease

•Immune system disease•Asthma•Diabetes

Effect of stress on health Digestive disorders

•Ulcers Skin complaints – psoriasis Headaches and migraines Pre-menstrual syndrome Depression

Stress control ABC STRATEGY A = AWARENESS What causes you stress? How do you react?

ABC strategy B = BALANCE There is a fine line between positive / negative stress How much can you cope with before it becomes negative ?

ABC strategy C = CONTROL What can you do to help yourself combat

the negative effects of stress ?

Management of job stress

Change your thinking - Reframing Re-framing is a technique to change the

wayyou look at things in order to feel betterabout them.

Time management tips Create a balanced schedule Don’t over commit yourself Start the work early Plan regular break

Task management tips Prioritize tasks Break projects in to small steps Delegate responsibility

Change your life style Diet Smoking & Alcohol Exercise Sleep Leisure Relaxation

Emotional intelligence Self awareness Self management Social awareness

Eliminate self defeating behaviors Resist perfectionism Clean up your act Flip your negative thoughts

Find ways to dispel stress Get time away Talk it out Cultivate allies at work Find humor at work

What the managers can do?? Improve communication Consult your employees Offer incentives and rewards Cultivate friendly social climate

What is life without stress?but don’t forget …