Stress

Stress is a non-specific response of the body to any demand for change

When we think the demands being placed on us exceed our ability to cope, we then perceive stress

“People are disturbed not by a thing, but by their perception of a thing”- Epictetus

Stress is difficult to define because it is so different for each of us.

Roller coaster analogy

Some are hunched down in the back seats, eyes shut, jaws clenched and white knuckled with an iron grip on the retaining bar. They can’t wait for the ride in the torture chamber to end so they can get back on solid ground and scamper away.

But up front are the wide-eyed thrill seekers, yelling and relishing each steep plunge and race to get on the very next ride.

And in between you may find a few with an air of nonchalance that borders on boredom. So, was the roller coaster ride stressful?

The roller coaster analogy is useful in explaining why the same stressor can differ so much for each of us. What distinguished the passengers in the back from those up front was the sense of control they had over the event.

While neither group had any more or less control their perceptions and expectations were quite different. Many times we create our own stress because of faulty perceptions you can learn to correct.

You can teach people to move from the back of the roller coaster to the front

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent”- Eleanor Roosevelt

Workplace Stress

Numerous studies show that job stress has escalated and is associated with increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders

High levels of stress in the workplace can result in:

• Poor decision-making.
• An increase in mistakes which in turn may lead to more customer or client complaints. This in turn is likely to produce more stress.
• Increased sickness and absence.
• High staff turnover.
• Poor employee/work place relation

Stress can have serious effects on your health. It is not good for a person’s body or mind to be under constant stress. You need to have an outlet for your anxiety before it affects your health-it can literally kill you.

Stress Management techniques

• Time Management-Stay organized and plan well

• Some things are out of your control. Do not take on more than you can handle and don’t get stressed over problems you cannot control.
• Exercise is a great way to relieve stress.

• Talk with a colleague

• Cut back on the caffeine.
• Reduce intake of refined sugars

• Get more sleep

• Breathe Deeply
• Learn to Say ‘No ’“I am sorry but I can’t commit to this as I have other priorities at the moment.”                           “Now is not a good time as I’m in the middle of something.  Can we do this in an hour from now?
• Buy yourself flowers.
• Take enough vitamins in your diet.
• Look out the window at the birds, clouds and trees.
• Don’t slouch. Sitting up straight will help increase blood circulation.