STRESS MANAGEMENTRED MEDIA AFRICA’S #TEACHTUESDAY

OLUWAPELUMI OYETIMEIN - @THEOLUWAPELUMI.

Introduction

Everybody all over the world experiences stress. The things you enjoy from living your life are drowned by the strain, tension, long sleepless nights and stringent demands which your job makes as you climb the ladder of success.

The weight of the responsibilities on your shoulders (or wherever they are) and the fear of failure as you climb higher; battered ego, shame and loss of status as you fall as well.

At every stage, you are saddled with stress inducing factors. Hence the need for appropriate management therapy.

Definitions

The word ‘stress’ is derived from the latin word ‘strictus’ and it has been variously used to mean hardship, strains, adversity, force, tension, pressure.

Largely, depending on your field, stress can mean different things to different professionals.

In this context though, we will be talking about stress as emotional, physical and mental pressure which has the capacity to affect your balance and by extension, your productivity as an individual and your response to it.

To Note

The thought of a stress-free life MAY never be attainable because your environment will continually place demands on you.

A stress-free life would only exist if you have no needs to fulfil.

Not all stress is bad. Positive stress (eu-stress) enhances your performance. Negative stress (distress) wrecks a havoc within you and affects everything you touch badly. It all depends on the purpose it serves.

Stress definitely modifies behaviour.

Stressors / Causes of Stress

Stress can be externally induced (exogenous causes) or internally induced (endogenous causes).

Exogenous causes include – macro environment (socio-political (government processes and inadequacies), cultural (traditional issues arising from your roots), religious (from vigils to pastors continually focusing on prosperity and the continuous quest for grace and salvation), economic causes (recessions, inadequate financial strength)).

Endogenous causes include – micro environment (organisation policy and politics, career development, stress that is peculiar to your role).

Managing Stress

Tranquilizers & Drugs Body Scanning

Progressive relaxation Meditation

Refuting irrational thoughts Time/self management

Exercises & physical fitness Nutrition & weight control

Music Social institution

Writing, crying, & mid-road therapies Praise, prayers

Jokes, Comedy

Company’s Role

Provision of recreational facilities & opportunities– indoor games, relaxation spots, retreats etc

Provision of transportation

Retreats

Ensuring that team members proceed on their annual leave

Resolution of dispute between/amongst team members

Provision of conducive working environment

Work rotation schedule

Constant transfer to ease monotony and build versatility

Thank You

Oluwapelumi OYETIMEIN

pelumi@pelumionline.net, 08035184844 (Whatsapp Only),

www.oluwapelumi.com, @TheOluwapelumi