(Work, Relationships, Finances, etc.) Natural reaction with brain & body against challenges. Physical or mental emotional. Body releases hormones - cortisol and adrenaline, Hormones prepare us to respond to perceived danger. Motivating us to handle difficult situations. Could be chronic, which has negative effects on mental health. Understanding Stress
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Eustress: Positive stress that motivates and energizes individuals. e.g. Starting a new job, wedding, pursuing a ch a ll a ng e Effects: Enhances performance, promotes growth & development. Distress: Negative stress that overwhelms and debilitates individuals. e.g. F inancial problems, relationship conflicts etc. . Effects: Harms physical & mental health, decreases productivity 4 Types of Stress
Health Challenges: Illness, injury, or chronic health conditions Life Transitions: Major life changes such as moving, starting a new job, or going through a breakup. Uncertainty: about the future, feeling out of control. Traumatic Events: Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Daily Hassles: Small, everyday annoyances like traffic, long lines, or misplacing items can contribute to stress. Work Pressure: Heavy workload, tight deadlines, or conflicts with colleagues at workplace 5 Causes
Physical Symptoms (Headaches, Fatigue, Muscle Tension, etc.) Emotional Symptoms (Anxiety, Irritability, Depression, etc.) Behavioural Symptoms (Overeating, Substance Abuse, Isolation ) Digestive issues like stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea Rapid heartbeat or palpitations Fatigue or low energy Changes in appetite, either eating more or less than usual 6 Recognizing Signs of Stress
Cortisol: S tress hormone released by the adrenal glands Regulate metabolism, blood sugar & pressure, providing energy it needs to cope with stress. Adrenaline: enhances alertness and prepares the body for physical activity. Body returns to a state of balance once the stressor is resolved. Both hormones cope with Short-term and Chronic Stress: 7 Role of Cortisol & Adrenaline
Link to conditions - hypertension, anxiety disorders, & depression. Can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health Understanding the stress response helps individuals recognize the physiological changes that occur in response to stressors and 8 Chronic stress:
Use Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Deep Breathing Exercises , Progressive Muscle Relaxation Meditation and Mindfulness Practices . Time Management, R ealistic Goals , Prioritizing Tasks Set reminders and deadlines to stay on track. Allocate specific time slots for different activities, including breaks and relaxation . 9 Coping Strategies
Define clear, achievable objectives. Break down larger tasks into smaller M manageable steps. Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for goal setting. Critical Thinking 10 Coping Strategies
Utilize planners, calendars, or digital apps to organize tasks and appointments. Set reminders and deadlines to stay on track. Allocate specific time slots for different activities, including breaks and relaxation. 11 Using Time Management Tools:
Learning to Delegate: Recognize tasks that can be delegated to others. Delegate responsibilities based on team members' strengths and expertise. Trust colleagues to handle delegated tasks effectively. Saying No When Necessary: 12
- Importance of Social Support Network - Talking to Friends, Family, or a therapist - Joining Support Groups or Communities 14 Social Support and Connections
Seeking Professional Help When to Seek Professional Assistance Types of Mental Health Professionals Therapy Options (Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, etc.) 15
Workplace Strategies for Coping with Stress a. Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encourage flexible work schedules , Set clear boundaries b /w work & personal life. Offer telecommuting options when possible. b. Providing Employee Assistance Programs Offer confidential counselling services for employees. Provide resources for managing stress, mental health issues, and personal challenges. Train managers and HR staff to recognize signs of stress and refer employees to appropriate support. 17
Creating a Supportive Work Environment Foster open communication channels. Encourage teamwork and collaboration. Recognize and reward employees for their efforts. Provide opportunities for professional development and growth. 18
Implementing Stress Reduction Initiatives: Offer stress management workshops or seminars. Encourage regular breaks and discourage overworking. Encouraging Health and Wellness: G ym memberships or yoga classes arrangement Offer healthy snack options and promote nutritious eating habits. Promote regular physical activity and exercise breaks during the workday. 19
Cultivating a Positive Organizational Culture Foster a culture of appreciation and recognition. Celebrate successes and milestones. Encourage peer support and camaraderie among colleagues. 20