PERSONAL STRESS

Praneet Raj

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Part 1 – Stress in General

Part 2 - Stress at Work

Part 3 – Stress Management

PART 1

STRESS IN GENERAL

LEGAL OVERVIEWHEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 (sect 6)

Every employer shall take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at

work

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 (sect 7)

Every employer shall ensure that there are in place effective methods for identifying existing hazards, and (if possible before they arise) new hazards to employees at work.

WHAT IS STRESS ?

Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events, it can be caused by both good and bad experiences.

STRESS FEELINGS

Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Stress that is left unchecked can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

TYPES OF STRESSORSFAMILY- DEATH, CHRONIC ILLNESS, DIVORCE, ADULTERY

ENVIROMENATL- LIVING ALONE,RACISIM,POVERTY

EDUCATIONAL- ILLITERACY,LACK OF EMPLOYMENT SKILLS

OCCUPATIONAL- UNEMPLOYMENT,LAY-OFFS,ROTATING SHIFTS

HOUSING- UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD,LANDLORD ISSUES,HOMELESS

FINANCIAL- CREDIT CARD PROBLEMS,BANKRUPTCY,POWER BILLS

HEALTH- LACK OF SERVICES, DISEASES, INJURIES

LEGAL- VICTIM OF CRIME,ARREST,CUSTODY BATTLES,LITIGATION

NEGATIVE STRESS

Negative stress is stress that a person feels they cannot handle. If they have been feeling this stress for a long time their body will wear out and will not be able to function normally.

Positive stress is also called Eustress. This excitement is felt by people when they are confronted by a demanding situation which they assume they can handle it. This fills them with thrill and excitement.

Positive stress gives you the energy to throw yourself into something where you want to make some contribution and also approaching exams enhances a student’s concentration and learning capability.

POSITIVE STRESS

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

Physical symptoms Mental symptoms Behavioural symptoms Emotional symptoms

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

•HEADACHE•MUSCLE TENSION •CHEST PAIN•STOMACH PAIN•BACK PAIN•INDEGESTION

MENTAL SYMPTOMS

•Anxiety•Trouble thinking clearly•Forgetfulness •Frustration•Trouble making decisions •Sleeping poorly•Short temper•Nervousness

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

- overeating and under eating - Angry outbursts - Drug or alcohol Abuse - Tobacco use - Social withdrawal

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

•Loss of confidence •More fussy •Irritability•Depression•Apathy•Alienation•Apprehension

STRESS RELATED ILLNESSES

Stress is not the same as ill-health, but has been related to such illnesses as;

- Depression - Sleeping Problems - Chronic Pain - Anxiety

COSTS OF STRESSThe costs of stress related problems is something which is often overlooked within organizations. There are both direct and opportunity costs involved as a result of stress in the organization.

•Up to 40% of absence is related to stress•1 in 5 believe that their job is very stressful- that is 5million people •When stressed, performance can be reduced by up to 70%

PART 2

STRESS AT WORKWork related stress means the process which arises

where work demands of various types of combinations which exceed the person’s capability to cope.

Work related stress is a significant cause of illness and disease and is known to be linked with high levels of sickness absence, staff turnover and other indicators of organizational underperformance including human error.

FACTORS INFLUENCING WORK STRESSTop 10 Work Stress Factors:•Working long hours at the office•Exposure to traumatic incidents at work•Finding it hard to say no to a task for fear of loosing your job•Feeling undervalued at work•Boredom•Frustration•Having little control of your working day•Fear of redundancy•Workplace victimization or bullying•Dealing with constant change in the workplace

PART 3

STRESS MANAGEMENT

CAUSES OF STRESS

External Stresses

Internal Stresses

EXTERNAL STRESSES - ORGANISATIONAL

EXTERNAL STRESSES - MAJOR LIFE EVENTS

Divorce Marriage Death of someone Buying Property Pregnancy Starting or ending

school Children leaving

home Retirement

INTERNAL STRESS Nutritional Status Attitudes Feelings of anger, fear, worry Anticipation Emotional well-being Sleeping Patterns Thoughts

Get regular exercise Use regular relaxation periods for work breaks Use and develop humour- Positive attitudes Protect yourself from negative co-workers and

relationships Eat healthy well balanced meals Be assertive instead of aggressive Accept that there are events that you can’t control Get enough rest and sleep Make time for hobbies and interests Don’t rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive

behaviours to reduce stress

STRESS CONTROL

STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Accepting Change

Changing Expectations

Talking To Others

SUMMARY

Stress is a basic part of life. The way in which we deal with stress will make our lives pleasant and comfortable or if left stressed and incapable of our obligations to the best of our abilities.

Praneet Raj