Stress Management Satyajeet Singh Contents  Introduction  What is stress  Reasons  Symptoms  Impact  Managing Stress 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? 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” Stress • Everyday fact of life • Stress can be good • Excessive stress can be harmful Typical Relationship Between Performance and Stress Too Little Stress Optimum StressExcessive Stress Level of Performanc e High (excellent) Low (poor) Low High Stress Positive Stress Results • Enables concentration • Increases performance • Energizes you into motion 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 Mental Stress Signs • Anxiety • Lowered self-esteem • Forgetfulness • Increased anger • Depression • Excessive fear • Apathy/ lack of interest • Worry • Confusion • Decreased selfconfidence Behavioural Signs of Stress • Hostility • Clumsiness • Irritability • Withdrawal from usual activities • Under/over eating • Decreased ability to concentrate • Poor performance, • Absenteeism, • Memory problems /forgetfulness • High accident rates • Frequent use of cigarettes or alcohol • Making more mistakes Impact of Stress 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 How to Manage Stress Mental Techniques • Time management • Organize • Problem solving attitude • Think Positive Diversions • Music • Hobbies • Play • Learning • Vacation 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 Organizational Stress Management Initiatives 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." Thank You !