STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress is..
Reaction and response to any kind of change Stress is a response to a perceived threat to your well being

Typically stress is seen as harmful and unpleasant yet stress may be beneficial. How do you view stress?

Myths about stress*

Myth 1
Myth 2 Myth 3

I must be stressed to succeed...

All Stress is bad If only I could move/change my job/ leave my spouse/get rid of my boss, then my stress would go away... There is nothing I can do about stress

Myth 4

Common Responses to Stress

Fighting it Flight - Escaping it Freezing Tend and Befriend Everyone responds differently to stressors!

Top Stressors
Sources of stress for men*
1 2 3 4 5 Being away from family Increases in workload Financial problems Changes in family Conflicts between work and family responsibilities

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Forgetfulness regarding appointments, dates, deadlines Frequent spells of brooding and a feeling of inadequacy

Reversals in usual behavior

Irritable Feelings of unreality

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Urge to run Unable to concentrate Lethargy Decision making- both major & minorbecomes difficult

BEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS
Using people Drug/Alcohol abuse Cynical Fault finding Antisocial Under eating Lowered sex drive

BEHAVIOURAL EFFECTS
Cigarette smoking Impulsive behavior Inappropriate crying Aggressive Overeating Lack of initiative

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Hypertension Coronary heart disease Migraine, tension headache Ulcers Asthmatic conditions Chronic backaches

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Allergies Skin disorders

More frequent infections

Sexual dysfunctions

MENTAL STRESS
Difficulty in concentration Confusion Rarely express your feelings through music, art, dance or writing No intellectual relaxation Make negative self-statements

BURN OUT EFFECTS

Complaints of fatigue, being overworked, exhaustion Shows loss of enthusiasm, energy, drive, pep team spirit Shows loss of imagination, creativity, refusal to take risks

BURN OUT EFFECTS

Becomes defensive easily, has poor relationships with key people Is disorganized, has poor recall, memory loss

Positive Ways of Coping With Stress

1. Plan to solve 2. Talk to friend/family 3. Exercise

Basic Guidelines For Coping

Recognise and admit that you are feeling stressed and anxious If you do know what it is that is bothering you, what can you do to eliminate or minimise the situation?

Basic Guidelines For Coping

Give yourself positive reinforcement for even the smallest accomplishments. Are you blaming someone else for your anxieties, unhappiness, poor health, lack of success or whatever? Take responsibility for yourself and make some positive changes?

Remember that .
Albert Einstein didnt remember his telephone number. He didnt want to clutter his mind with information that could be accessed anytime. You are more resourceful than you often acknowledge and You always have more options than you know

Remember that .
You dont have to catch the ball every time someone throws it at you

Learn how to say NO!!