STRESS MANAGEMENT. EMPHASIS ON CABIN CREW AND STUDENTS

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STRESS MANAGEMENTby AMLAN ROY CHOWDHURY


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SPECIAL EMPHASIS IS FOR CABIN CREW AND STUDENTS.


WHAT DO WE UNDERSTAND BY

THE WORD “STRESS”


STRESS DEFINED

• The most commonly accepted definition of stress (mainly attributed to Richard S Lazarus) is that stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that "demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize."

• In short, it's what we feel when we think we've lost control of events.


LOOSING CONTROL OF EVENTS.

The very sentence gives us an indication as to what we should be

doing in case of stress.Lets not loose control of events. But

this is easier said than done.

Hence this presentation. THE STRESS MANAGEMENT


• Hans Selye was one of the founding fathers of stress research. His view in 1956 was that "stress is not necessarily something bad – it all depends on how you take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or infection is detrimental."

• Selye believed that the biochemical effects of stress would be experienced irrespective of whether the situation was positive or negative



The transactional model of stress

• The first thing that a person automatically does when faced with a stressful event is to appraise the situation

• One conducts a primary appraisal to determine the level of danger, the potential pain, loss or discomfort and the amount of effort that will have to be exerted to handle the situation. If no threat is perceived, no stress is felt.


The transactional model of stress• If a threat is perceived, an individual goes

through a secondary appraisal process in which he or she examines his or her perceived available resources to cope with the problem. How a person appraises the situation is a function of past experience and perceived ability to cope with the stressor. A person selects the “best” solution, which is usually the least dangerous, most likely to succeed and the one for which the person has the most appropriate skills.


The transactional model of stress

• If a person perceives that he or she can cope with the stress, positive stress is experienced. A perceived inability to fully cope with the situation leads to negative stress.

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POSITIVE STRESS

Eustress (positive stress) motivates a person to cope with stressors and allows a person to perform effectively and may even increase performance. Eustress generally

occurs when an individual perceives that he or she has the ability to effectively cope with

a stressor.


Negative stressDistress (negative stress) occurs when

stimulation is excessive and causes fear of the situation, panic, anxiety or agitation. Distress usually results in poorer performance and can

be dangerous for flight safety.Anxiety is stress related to an unforeseen or

imagined threat. It is caused by the anticipation or perception that something dangerous,

unpleasant or harmful may be about to occur, and the individual is fearful that he or she will

not be able to cope with the event.

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THE THIRD TYPE OF STRESS

Remembered Stress is triggered by an event that reminds an individual of a past experience that caused extreme stress or

harm. The actual stress-causing agent may not be present, but the memory still causes the body to arouse the nervous system, and

the stress related to the effects of the unpleasant episode are experienced again.


Duration of stress

• Acute Stress is caused by stressors that occur for very short periods of time. Usually, an individual is able to resolve the stressful situation and return to a normal mental and physiological state. Acute stress can be positive, but extremely high levels of over-arousal for short durations can lead to exhaustion.


Chronic stress diagram.

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Chronic Stress is caused by a constant stream of demands, risks, pressures and threats that go on for significantly long periods of time. Chronic stress slowly drains mental and physical resources and leaves a sense of

hopelessness or inability to cope. If prolonged, it can have very serious

health implications such as the onset

con’t………..


of a stroke, heart disease or even heart attack. In extreme cases it has led to

suicide. The most dangerous aspect of chronic stress is that because it is

prolonged, an individual may stop noticing its effects even though the negative effects are still taking place. It becomes a familiar

sensation that is accepted as the status quo, and a person may not take any actions to

cope with the stress, which can lead to

further problems.


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QUESTIONNAIRE.

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Checking Yourself for Burnout

Instructions:

For each statement, click the button in the column that best describes you. Please

answer questions as you actually are (rather than how you think you should be), and don't worry if some questions seem to score in the

'wrong direction'.

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Question Not at all

Rarely Some times

Often Very Often

Do you feel run down and drained of physical or emotional energy?

Do you find that you are prone to negative thinking about your job?

Do you find that you are harder and less sympathetic with people than perhaps they deserve?

Do you find yourself getting easily irritated by small problems, or by your co-workers and team?

Do you feel misunderstood or unappreciated by your co-workers?


Do you feel that you have no one to talk to?

Do you feel that you are achieving less than you should?

Do you feel under an unpleasant level of pressure to succeed?

Do you feel that you are not getting what you want out of your job?

Do you feel that you are in the wrong organization or the wrong profession?

Are you becoming frustrated with parts of your job?


Do you feel that organizational politics or bureaucracy frustrate your ability to do a good job?

Do you feel that there is more work to do than you practically have the ability to do?

Do you feel that you do not have time to do many of the things that are important to doing a good quality job?

Do you find that you do not have time to plan as much as you would like to?


15-18No sign of burnout here

19-32Little sign of burnout here, unless some factors

are particularly severe33-49

Be careful – you may be at risk of burnout, particularly if several scores are high

50-59You are at severe risk of burnout – do something

about this urgently60-75

You are at very severe risk of burnout – do something about this urgently


Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your

schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life,

with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure

and meet challenges head on.


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Identify the sources of stress in your life

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your true sources of stress aren’t always obvious, and it’s all too easy to overlook your own stress-inducing

thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sure, you may know that you’re constantly worried

about work deadlines. But maybe it’s your procrastination, rather than the actual job demands, that leads to deadline stress.


To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your, and excuses: habits, attitude

Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t

remember the last time you took a breather?Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or

home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy,

that’s all”).Do you blame your stress on other people or outside

events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain

outside your control.



Start a stress journal

A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with

them. Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal. As you keep a daily log, you will

begin to see patterns and common themes. Write down:

What caused your stress (make a guess if you’re unsure).

How you felt, both physically and emotionally.How you acted in response.

What you did to make yourself feel better.


Look at how you currently cope with stress

Think about the ways you currently manage and cope with stress in your life. Your stress journal can help you identify them. Are your

coping strategies healthy or unhealthy, helpful or unproductive? Unfortunately,

many people cope with stress in ways that compound the problem.

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Unhealthy ways of coping with stress

These coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run:

SmokingDrinking too much

Overeating or under eatingZoning out for hours in front of the TV or computer

Withdrawing from friends, family, and activitiesUsing pills or drugs to relax

Sleeping too muchProcrastinating

Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problemsTaking out your stress on others (lashing out, angry

outbursts, physical violence)


Since everyone has a unique response to stress, there is no “one size fits all” solution to managing

it. No single method works for everyone or in every situation, so experiment with different techniques

and strategies. Focus on what makes you feel calm and in control.

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COGNITIVE RESPONSE TO STRESS


"Cognitive restructuring involves learning how to think differently, to change fundamental ‘faulty thinking,’ and replace it with more rational, realistic, and perhaps positive thinking,"


How to Change Your Thoughts

• What is truly the worst possible outcome of a given situation?

• Could this really harm me or my family?

• Am I looking at this situation correctly; what proof do I have of my fears?

• Can I really handle this situation even though I doubt myself?

• What can I do to change this situation?


BE A POSITIVE THINKER.

Constant negative thoughts bring about negative result and

vice versa. Being positive in attitude greatly reduces chronic

stress


Learning healthier ways to manage stress

The Four A’sChange the situation:

Avoid the stressor.Alter the stressor.

Change your reaction:Adapt to the stressor.Accept the stressor.


#1: Avoid unnecessary stress

Not all stress can be avoided, and it’s not healthy to avoid a situation that needs to be addressed. You may be

surprised, however, by the number of stressors in your life that you can eliminate.

Learn how to say “no”.Avoid people who stress you out. Take control of your environment.

Avoid hot-button topics. Pare down your to-do list.



#2: Alter the situation

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it. Figure out what you can do to change things so the problem doesn’t present itself in the future. Often, this involves

changing the way you communicate and operate in your daily life

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up.Be willing to compromise.

Be more assertive.Manage your time better.


#3: Adapt to the stressor

If you can’t change the stressor, change yourself. You can adapt to stressful situations and regain

your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude.

Reframe problems.Look at the big picture. Adjust your standards. Focus on the positive.

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Adjusting Your Attitude

How you think can have a profound effect on your emotional and physical well-being. Each time you think a negative thought about yourself, your body reacts as if it were in the throes of a tension-filled situation. If you see good things about yourself,

you are more likely to feel good; the reverse is also true. Eliminate words such as "always," "never," "should," and "must." These are telltale marks of

self-defeating thoughts.


#4: Accept the things you can’t change

Some sources of stress are unavoidable. You can’t prevent or change stressors such

as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, or a national recession. In such

cases, the best way to cope with stress is to accept things as they are. Acceptance may

be difficult, but in the long run, it’s easier than railing against a situation you can’t

change.


#4 continued

Don’t try to control the uncontrollable.Look for the upside. Share your feelings.

Learn to forgive.

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#5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by nurturing yourself. If you

regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to

handle life’s stressors when they inevitably come.


Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a

necessity, not a luxury.

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Healthy ways to relax and recharge

Go for a walk.Spend time in nature.

Call a good friend.Sweat out tension with a good workout.

Write in your journal.Take a long bath.

Light scented candles.Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Play with a pet.Work in your garden.

Get a massage.Curl up with a good book.

Listen to music.Watch a comedy.


Healthy ways to relax and recharge

*Set aside relaxation time.*Connect with others.

*Do something you enjoy every day.

*Keep your sense of humor


#6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle• Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key

role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.

• Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.


# ……6• Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary "highs" caffeine

and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.

• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.

• Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.


STRESS & CABIN CREW

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1. Physiological• Cardiovascular: increased pulse rate, high

blood pressure, chest pains

• Respiratory: shortness of breath, hyperventilation, dizziness

• Gastrointestinal: loss of appetite, gas pains, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea

• Others: headaches, muscular tension, sleep disturbances, general weakness


2. Psychological• Emotional: anger, guilt, mood swings and low self-

esteem, depression

• Pessimism

• Irritable temper

• Loss of interest

• Loss of control

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HOW THESE TWO AFFECTS THE CABIN CREW

• Difficulty concentrating and reduced vigilance - easily distracted

• Errors, omissions, mistakes, incorrect actions, poor judgment and memory

• Tendency to cut corners, skip items and look for the easiest way out

• Either slowness (due to lack of interest) or hyperactivity (due to adrenaline)


HOW THESE TWO AFFECTS THE CABIN CREW

• Focusing on easily manageable details while ignoring serious threats

• Tendency to pass responsibility on to others• Fixation on single issues or even a mental block• Unwillingness to make decisions - decisions are

postponed or take longer to make• Fewer plans and backup plans are made• Increase in risk-taking leading to an increase in the

number of violations, especially when frustrated with failures


Recognizing a stressful condition

• Physical signs: cold, sweaty hands, headache, tension

• Behavioral changes: irritability, anger, hurriedness, fixation

• Speech patterns: fast, irregular, non-standard phrases, voice tone or loudness


Dealing with long-term and chronic stress

• Taking care of the physical causes of stress - These includes ensuring you get enough sleep, eat properly and exercise. Hunger and fatigue are some of the most obvious stressors, and their effects are well-known. Climbing stairs is a very good way of eliminating excess toxins in the body, and swimming helps restore equilibrium to the nervous system. Both of these activities usually can be carried out in hotels during stopovers, eliminating residual effects of stress before the next flight.


Dealing with long-term and chronic stress

• Continuous Professional Training - Training ensures currency and competence in all standard and emergency operating procedures.

• Social Interaction - It is not good to allow personal problems and worries to build up. Communicating them with others is very important as it offers partial relief and also because people may be able to offer help and advice.


MS… BEFORE FLIGHT• No consumption of alcohol at least 24 hrs before

flight.• Get adequate sleep, switch OFF the cell phone.• Get your household chores completed before

you set to get the REST.( easier said than done).

• IMP: Try to eat a high protein diet. Fish, chicken, Egg. Etc. For vegetarians: Pulses, sprouted beans, and similar food.

• On the day of the flight DO NOT do heavy exercise, light yoga exercises is fine.


MS… ON FLIGHT• Drink lot of fluids, preferably ONLY water. One

can put couple of lemon slices in a bottle of water and keep drinking that. Replenishes the fast depleting vitamin C.

• Avoid tea and coffee. Green tea and black tea without milk and sugar is fine as they are antioxidants.

• Eat very simple meals like yogurt,rice,and boiled veg.

• IMP: TAKE MICRO BREAKS ( On L/R ops. Make yourself comfortable when taking the mandatory bunk rest)


MS… ON FLIGHT• Make it a habit every time you wash your

hands, to take a moment to slow down, breathe slowly and deeply, and consider your stress levels

• Remind yourself that no matter how difficult a passenger is being, it’s not personal

• If things get to much, excuse yourself and ask another member of staff to step in for you


MS… AFTER FLIGHT AND ON LAYOVERS

• The human body talks to its owner. Listen to your body and you can never go wrong. Eat when you feel hungry, Sleep as long as your body says that YOU SHOULD.

• Do not do heavy exercise as soon as you check in to the hotel. First eat,(If you feel hungry, which you will invariably) then sleep and then when you get up, You can.

• After landing, in the hotel, try to eat a carbohydrate based diet. This will assist you to sleep faster.


MS… AFTER FLIGHT AND ON LAYOVERS

• Maximize work-shift recovery time with wind-down relaxation techniques and again, enough sleep, exercise and good foods, and minimize alcohol consumption

• If you find yourself replaying stressful incidents, talk to your colleagues or a professional counselor


Meditation, Progressive muscle relaxation techniques, and yoga are the most important ways to

reduce and manage stress


Key Points• Stress is a physiological and cognitive

response to stressors that generates alertness

• In excess, stress results in a large number of side effects - both physical and mental

• Stress is triggered by stressors that are either immediate threatening/challenging situations or long-term background issues

• The response to a stressor depends on both its intensity and the amount of exposure time

• Stress can be acute or chronic


Key Points• Chronic stress can become so routine that you

lose awareness of its presence, yet it still carries its harmful effects

• The best way to reduce stress is to:– Learn to recognize the symptoms– Prepare and plan by maintaining currency and

proficiency through regular training– Take care of the physical aspect: food, sleep and

exercise– Keep workload under control, communicate and

ask for help


How Students Can Manage Stress

• Learning to manage their time wisely. This is done by setting up a study schedule, breaking up studies into smaller chunks. In short, students are advised to formulate, with the help of their teachers and parents, study timetables and adhere to them.

• The student will also need to have a system of organization for note-taking, keeping track of assignments and other important papers.



• Creating a good study environment is also a great tool for stress management. Students have different study habits. While some need a completely quiet room free from interruptions, others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background. A student should pick which is best for him or her.

• Determining the most appropriate learning style: whether the student is a visual, kinesthetic or auditory learner. Tailoring your study practices around your particular learning styles makes success easier to attain and keeps stress at bay.



• Using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualization or imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga. Additionally, being optimistic will help students become healthier, less stressed and more successful.

• Learning how to budget money, spend wisely and pay bills on time, if any, is very important for the student's survival and will lower stress levels.


How Students Can Manage Stress• Lastly, students must take care of their bodies

and minds by getting proper nutrition, getting some form of physical exercise and getting enough sleep. Seven hours of sleep each night is recommended for optimum body and brain function. Naps, not exceeding one hour, should also be taken when needed.

• Following these tips will help you greatly to reduce the stress and it might even help to improve your performance on exams.


LEAD A STRESS FREE LIFE.

THE END

Presentation by Amlan Roy Chowdhury

Health & Medicine

STRESS MANAGEMENT. EMPHASIS ON CABIN CREW AND STUDENTS