PERSONALSTRESS

Part 1 – Stress in General

Part 2 - Stress at Work

Part 3 – Stress Management

Stress in General

LEGAL OVERVIEW

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 (sect 6)

Every employer shall take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT 1992 (sect 7)

Every employer shall ensure that there are in place effective methods for identifying existing hazards, and (if possible before they arise) new hazards to employees at work.

WHAT IS STRESS ?

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good

and bad experiences. When people feel stressed by something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood. These chemicals give people more

energy and strength, which can be a good thing if their stress is caused by physical danger. But this can also be a bad thing, if their stress is in response to something emotional and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength.

STRESS FEELINGS

• Restlessness

• Lack of motivation or focus

• Irritability or anger

• Sadness or depression

• Anxiety

TYPES OF STRESSORS

work

money

finances

time

family

relationships

under pressure

school

peer pressure

future

NEGATIVE STRESS

• Distress:

Considered bad stress, usually hasnegative consequences

POSITIVE STRESS

• Eustress:

Considered good stress, it arises in any situation or circumstance that a person finds motivating or inspiring.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

• Physical symptoms

• Mental symptoms

• Behavioural symptoms

• Emotional symptoms

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

• Back pain

• Cold hands

• Headaches

• Racing heart

• Fatigue

MENTAL SYMPTOMS

• Sleep Problems

• Crying spells

• Forgetfulness

• Lack of focus

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

• Anxiety

• Nervousness

• Violence

• Impulsive

• Conflicts

• Arguing

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

• Feeling Insecure

• Depression

• Worrying

• Anger

• Sadness

Stress is not the same as ill-health, but has been related to such illnesses as;

• Cardiovascular disease

• Immune system disease

• Asthma

• Diabetes

STRESS RELATED ILLNESSES

COSTS OF STRESSStress equals….

• Absenteeism• Grievances• Accidents• Errors of judgment• Conflict and interpersonal problems• Violence• Customer service problems• No time to do it right

……which equals increase of cost

Stress at Work

FACTORS INFLUENCING WORK STRESS

long hoursboredom

frustrationworkmates

traumatic events at worke g

firemen, policefeel undervalued

environmentextra responsibilities

demotion

redundancy

Stress Management

CAUSES OF STRESS

• External Stresses

• Internal Stresses

INTERNAL STRESS

• Attitude

• Inability to accept uncertainty

• Pessimism- Negative self-talk

• Unrealistic expectations

• Perfectionism

• Lack of assertiveness

EXTERNAL STRESSES - ORGANISATIONAL

• Company take over• Layoffs• Major re-organisation• Company relocation• Employee benefit

cuts• Mandatory overtime • Under valued• Workloads vary• Fast paced work

• React to changes• Advancement difficult• Insufficient resources• Technology changes• Workplace conditions• Consistent poor

performance• Under payed

• Death of a loved one• Divorce / separation• Imprisonment• Injury/illness • Marriage/

engagement• Loss of job• Pregnancy

EXTERNAL STRESSES - MAJOR LIFE EVENTS

• Change in financial status

• Change of job / work• Mortgage or loan• Change in

responsibilities• Moving house• Holidays

• AWARENESS – what's the cause of your stress

• BALANCE – between good stress and bad

stress

• CONTROL – how can you combat the negative

effects of stress

STRESS CONTROL

STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

• Change your thinking

• Change your behaviour

• Change your lifestyle

SUMMARY

Stress is a basic part of life. The way in which we deal with stress will make our lives pleasant and comfortable or leave us stressed and incapable of performing our obligations to the best of our abilities. Just have to deal with it.