Stress Management In Public Sector in ke

PRESENTATION

1. STRESS MANAGEMENT

2. 1 Kings 19: 1-18 Elijah Flees to Horeb Elijah flees to Horeb not because of God’s will but he was in fear. Many people find themselves in situations like Elijah

3. What is Stress Is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand/threat like Elijah he had a threat .When you sense danger whether it is real or imagined, the body’s defences kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “flight-or-fight "reaction or the stress response. Stress can also help you rise to meet a challenge. When you feel threatened , your nervous systems responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. Your heart pounds faster , muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper.

4. The effects of Chronic Stress Your nervous system isn’t very good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats If you are super stressed over an argument with a friend , a work deadline, or a mountain of bills, your body can react just as strongly as if you’re facing a true life /death situation. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. I can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive system & reproductive system, increase the risk of heart attack & stroke and speed up the aging process. It can rewire the brain , leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety , depression & other mental health problems.

5. Health Problems Caused by Stress Depression & Anxiety Pain of any kind Sleep problems ( Sleep too much /lack sleep) Digestive problems e.g ulcers Skin conditions Heart disease Weight problems ( Weight loss /gain)

6. Signs & Symptoms of stress overload Stress can easily creep on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar –even normal. You don’t notice how much it is affecting you , even as it takes a heavy toll. That is why its important to be aware of the common warning signs & symptoms of stress overload

7. Cognitive systems : Memory problems , inability in concentration , poor judgement, seeing only negative, racing thoughts, constant worrying. Emotional systems: Depression, anxiety & agitation, moodiness, or anger, feeling overwhelmed , loneliness and isolation. Physical Symptoms : Aches & pains, diarrhoea, dizziness, chest pains , frequent colds/flu, and loss of sex drive. Behavioural systems: Eating more or less, sleeping too much or too little, withdrawing from others, neglecting responsibilities, using alcohol, nervous habits e.g eating finger nails

8. Common Causes of Stress External Causes Major life changes Work/ school Relationship difficulties Financial problems Being too busy Children & Family

9. Internal Causes Pessimism Inability to accept uncertainty Rigid thinking , lack of flexibility Negative self talk Unrealistic expectations /perfectionism All-or-nothing attitude

10. How to reduce Stress, Prevent & Cope with stress Avoid the stressor i.e. Elijah avoided Ahab Alter the stressor Adapt to the stressor Accept the stressor