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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”
Typical Relationship BetweenPerformance and Stress
Low High
Level of
Perf
orm
an
ce
Low
(poor)
High
(excellent)
Too Little StressOptimum StressExcessive Stress
Stress
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
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
• Lowered self-esteem
• Increased anger
• Excessive fear
• Worry
• Decreased self-confidence
Behavioural Signs of Stress• Hostility
• Irritability
• Under/over eating
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• Memory problems /forgetfulness
• Frequent use of cigarettes or alcohol
• Clumsiness
• Withdrawal from usual activities
• Poor performance,
• Absenteeism,
• High accident rates
• Making more mistakes
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
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
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."