PD - Stress Management quite useful I'd say

Important in Business world

1. Personality Development Topic : Stress Management Presented By : Other Contributiors :

2. Topic 1: Understanding Stress What is Stress? A natural physiological and emotional reaction to challenging demands Triggered by external (work, finances) or internal (self-expectations, fear) pressures Why Stress Happens: A response to perceived threat or imbalance Can be short-term or long-lasting depending on the trigger Examples of Stress Triggers: Exams, relationship conflicts, job instability, major life transitions

3. Topic 2: The Cost of Stress Economic and Health Burden: Billions lost globally due to stress-related absenteeism and reduced productivity Chronic stress contributes to heart issues, sleep disorders, and burnout Financial Implications: Increased healthcare claims Decreased output and rising employee turnover Emotional and Relational Cost: Mood instability, social withdrawal, weakened interpersonal bonds

4. Topic 3: Stress & Individual Perception Individual Experiences Differ: One situation → many reactions based on personality, past trauma, belief systems The Appraisal Theory (Lazarus & Folkman): Primary Appraisal : Is this harmful or manageable? Secondary Appraisal : Do I have the resources to cope? Response Spectrum: Some react with anxiety, others with resilience Coping mechanisms vary: avoidance vs action

5. Topic 4: Distress vs Eustress Two Sides of Stress: Distress → overwhelming, demotivating Eustress → inspiring, empowering When Stress Helps: Deadlines push performance Public speaking can sharpen focus New goals drive learning Yerkes-Dodson Curve: Too little stress = apathy Optimal stress = peak performance Too much = breakdown

6. Topic 5: General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) What is GAS? ( Hans Selye , 1936) Explains how the body physiologically reacts to prolonged stress Three Phases: 1. Alarm → Fight or flight response (adrenaline rush) 2. Resistance → Ongoing effort to adapt 3. Exhaustion → Depletion of energy and immune defenses Impact Over Time: Chronic stress causes burnout, chronic fatigue, immune suppression

7. Topic 6: Individual Differences Not One Size Fits All: Personality, coping style, and history shape stress response Influencing Factors: Type A personalities → more prone to stress Type B personalities → more at ease with stressful work Locus of Control : Internal = better stress handling Resilience : Ability to bounce back Other Factors: Past trauma, cultural context, support systems Key Insight: Knowing your traits = choosing the right strategies

8. Topic 7: Job Stressors & Workplace Pressures What Triggers Job Stress? Overload of tasks, unrealistic deadlines, unclear goals Toxic work culture, micromanagement, poor leadership Role-Related Stressors: Ambiguity : No clarity on expectations Conflict : Confusing or opposing instructions Under-load/Over-load : Too little or too much work Interpersonal Stress: Lack of teamwork, poor communication, office politics

9. Topic 8: Job Characteristics & Burnout Risk Structural Contributors to Stress: Role Ambiguity : "What am I expected to do?" Role Conflict : "Who do I listen to?" Role Overload : Too many demands, too little time Role Underload : Monotony, lack of challenge Why These Matter: Influence job satisfaction, focus, and mental energy Key Insight : Job design can either prevent or promote burnout.

10. Topic 9: Interpersonal Relationships People at Work Can Be a Stressor: Constant interaction may drain or energize Poor team synergy leads to tension Interdepartmental Dynamics: Lack of collaboration = conflict and confusion Healthy bonds = smoother workflows Culture and Communication: Supportive environments ease stress Active listening and empathy reduce conflict

11. Topic 10: Personal Factors in Stress Lifestyle Matters: Poor sleep, bad diet, lack of movement = stress buildup Tech overuse, erratic routines intensify anxiety. Self-Care and Balance: Regular exercise, hobbies, and time-outs reset the mind Emotional hygiene (Journaling, Venting, Therapy) matters too. Personal Beliefs & Habits: Negative self-talk → Chronic stress Growth mindset → Resilience

12. Topic 11: Consequences of Job Stress Physical Health Impact: Hypertension, Diabetes, Low Immunity, Fatigue, Cardiovascular Issues Mental Health Damage: Anxiety, Emotional breakdowns, Depression, PTSD Workplace Results: Errors in Work, Low Focus, Absenteeism, Poor Decisions Long-Term Fallout: Burnout, Resignation, Career Stagnation