PERSONAL STRESS

Part 1 – Stress in GeneralPart 2 - Stress at WorkPart 3 – Stress Management

Presentation Outline

Stress in General

Part 1

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.

Legal Overview

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. This class will discuss different causes of stress, how stress affects you, the difference between 'good' or 'positive' stress and 'bad' or 'negative' stress, and some common facts about how stress affects people today

WHAT IS STRESS ?

Your body has a built-in response to handle stress. When something stressful happens, you may experience sweaty palms, dry mouth, or knots in your stomach. This is totally normal and means that your body is working exactly as it should. Other signs of stress include emotional signs (such as feeling sad or worried), behavioral signs (such as crying), and mental signs (such as not being able to concentrate or focus)

STRESS FEELINGS

TYPES OF STRESSORS

Negative stress is stress that a person feels they cannot handle. If they have been feeling this stress for a long time their body will wear out and they will not be able to function normally. This can lead to depression, anxiety, lower self esteem and other mental health issues.

NEGATIVE STRESS

Positive Stress is also called Eustress. This excitement is felt by people when they are confronted by a demanding situation, which they think they can handle. This fills them with thrill and excitement. Like runners on the track, taking a ride on the roller coaster, taking up a challenging project at workplace.

Positive Stress gives you the energy to throw yourself into something where you want to make some contribution. Approaching exams enhance a student's concentration and learning capability.

POSITIVE STRESS

Physical symptomsMental symptomsBehavioural symptomsEmotional symptoms

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

Your heart beats faster and your breathing may be more rapid and shallow. Conversely, you may notice that if you were to take a conscious deep breath, it almost feels like you were holding or limiting your breath. Letting it out is a relief. This is a great test to see if you are stressed right now and don't realize it.

Muscles feel tense. The palms of your hands become sweaty. Some people crave carbohydrates which provide the body with fast energy. Others reach for alcohol or drugs.

Some people feel irritable or get indigestion. You may feel light-headed, have a dry mouth or an unexplained bout of diarrhea or constipation. Perhaps you don't sleep that night because you are "hyped".

You become more alert and focused on your problem or the task at hand. Some people become "addicted" to the adrenaline rush because it gives them a burst of energy and feels exhilarating. This physical symptom of stress feels good so you are tempted to keep up stressful behaviors. Don't be fooled. It ultimately leads to "burnout" and other negative long-term health effects.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Mental symptoms occurs in the mind of an individual either causing irregular behaviors

Paranoia Unclear thinkingUn sounding judgmentNightmares Indecisiveness negativityRash decisions

MENTAL SYMPTOMS

Drugs

Drinking, smoking or using other drugs more than usual can be indicative of trying to “forget” or numb the stress, worry or anxiety, but can also lead to physiological as well as psychological addictions.

Sex Drive

A recurrent failure to control the sexual behavior

Continuation of the sexual behavior despite significant harmful consequences Impatience Fast Driving Hostility Smoking Self-harming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS

Emotional/Tearful is characterized by an underlying feelings that occasionally surface as crying, deep sadness, heightened sensitivity, feelings distressed, paranoid or “hurt” in the company of people, or through re-living or replaying thoughts or conversations repeatedly.

AngerAggressionPanicDepressionAnxiety

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS

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

-cancer -depression -chronic fatigue -obesity

STRESS RELATED ILLNESSES

The cost of stress is high. There are many things at a chance of loss when high stress jobs. This can effect both employer and employee. They can cost in such way as,

Lives of those who are under high stress Loss of productivity Loss of happiness and contentment Higher chance of a break down Employee dissatisfaction

COSTS OF STRESS

Stress at Work

Part 2

Working long hoursShortage of salaryShortage of job make you do even things you

don’t want to doFrustrationExtra responsibilities

FACTORS INFLUENCING WORK STRESS

Stress Management

Part 3

External Stresses

Internal Stresses

Causes of Stress

Financial ProblemsPersonal RelationshipsHealth IrritantsWorkplace Stress

External Stresses - Organisational

Death of spouse Marital Separation Being Fired from work Starting or ending school Minor violation of the law Outstanding personal achievement Addition of family member

External Stresses - Major Life Events

FrustrationsConflicts Pressures

Internal Stress

Use regular relaxation periods for work breaks.

Eat sensibly. Avoid caffeine. Do not cope with stress by using alcohol or drugs.

Get focused on new directions and regular planning.

Protect yourself from negative co-workers and relationships.

STRESS CONTROL

Change your behaviour

Change your thinking

Change your life style

Stress Management Techniques

Stress is a basic part of our 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.

Summary