Managing Stress

Managing Stress

What is Stress?A physical and emotional reaction to pressure, change, fear or the unknown.It is your total response to an environmental condition or stimulus, also known as a stressor

Work StressAlso known as Occupational StressIt is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.Stress is not an illness it is a state. However, if it becomes excessive and prolonged, mental and physical illness may develop.

Stages of StressALARM STAGERESISTANCE STAGEEXHAUSTION STAGEFactors Influencing Work StressDemandsRelationshipsChangeManagement StyleWorking Conditions

ABC StrategyHow to Manage StressAction Oriented:

Managing your time:Identify where you can improve and use time management tools like to-do lists etc.Managing other people:People can be a significant source of stress. Being assertive and managing conflicts will ensure that your needs are addressed.Managing your work environment:Workspace stress can come from irritating, frustrating or uncomfortable conditions workspace. Take action to minimize stress in this environmentHow to Manage StressEmotion Oriented Approaches:Emotion oriented approaches are useful when the stress you are experiencing comes from the way you perceive a situation.Be aware, use rational & positive thinking to change the way you perceive stressful eventsUse affirmations & imagery to overcome short-term negative thinkingHow to Manage StressAcceptance Oriented Approach:Acceptance-oriented approaches apply to situations where you have no power to change what happens, and where situations are genuinely bad.Use techniques likemeditationandphysical relaxationto calm yourself when you feel stressed.Take advantage of yoursupport network this could include your friends and family, as well as people at work and professional providers, such as counselors or family doctors.Get enoughexercise andsleep, and learn how to make the most of yourdown time, so that you can recover from stressful events.Learn how tocope with changeandbuild resilience, so that you can overcome setbacks.

In ConclusionTo control your stress, conduct a job analysis, so that you know your most important priorities at work.

Learn good time management strategies, so that you can handle your priorities effectively.

Try to let go of negative thinking habits, and become a positive thinker by using affirmations and visualization.

Create defenses against stressful situations that you cannot control use your network, be sure to get enough exercise and sleep, and learn how to relax.