stress is a physical, mental, or emotional response to events that causes bodily or mental tension. Simply put, stress is any outside force or event that has an effect on our body or mind.

Stress is the body’s automatic response to any physical or mental demand placed on it.

Stress is an internal reaction to events and circumstances that challenge us to make changes in our lives.

Benefits of Stress Management

Physical health gets better

-more energy and stamina

Emotions stabilized

-positive attitude

-hopeful/happier

Ability to focus improved

-able to learn and achieve

Individual Organizational

Muscle Relax

Exercise

(Yoga, taichi)

Meditation

Cognitive restructuring

Time management

• Eliminate work stressor

• Help employees modify

perception and

understanding of work

stress

• Help employees cope

with consequences of

stress

*Wellness programs,

*Counsellor recreational

zone

Time Management

• Get organized

• Get structured

• Set short term goals

• Set long term goals

• Use a planner: daily schedule and “To Do” list

Relaxation

• Breathing: practice deep breathing

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Guided Imagery

• Meditation

• Tapes, CDs etc.: Either something structured (commercial) or soothing music

• Choose and schedule it in

Cognitive (Thoughts)

• Pay attention to what you say to yourself

• Identify negative thinking and irrational beliefs

• Negative thinking leads to stress and anxiety

• Teach thought-stopping techniques

Spirituality

• Church,Temple,Mosque etc

• Help others

• Spend quiet time every day

• Be thankful

• Think positively

• Put your faith to work!

Eating

• Cut down on sugar, caffeine, processed foods

• Eat nutritiously: all food groups, especially fresh

• fruits and veggies

• Eat a little every couple of hours

• Eat slowly

Learn How to Say No – a significant contributing factor to the stress level in many

people’s lives is the tendency to take on responsibilities and tasks that they don’t want or

can’t do. Learning how to say “no” can be one of the healthiest things people can do for

themselves.

Don’t Take Work Home with You – learning how to separate work and/or school from

home life can be a difficult skill to master. It is important for people to be able to take a

break from responsibilities so they can devote their undivided attention to the

environment and situation in which they are currently involved.

Try to Limit the Number of Changes With Which You are Coping at any Given Time –

some people decide to improve their lives and try to make a number of changes at once.

Frequently the result is that people become so anxious and tense trying to handle so

many changes at once, that nothing actually gets changed. This result can lead to

feelings of failure and, therefore, actually increase stress. Be realistic about decisions,

and make choices that are likely to result in a success.

.

Anticipate Changes Before They Occur – because change is frequently frightening

for people, many people avoid preparing themselves for things they know they will

have to deal with eventually. Avoiding denial and/or procrastination allows people

to prepare in a thoughtful and deliberate way for change.

Learn Time Management and Organizational Skills – one of the simplest ways to

reduce stress is to learn strategies and techniques to manage your time, and to

organize yourself, your files, and your belongings.

Become More Assertive – assertive behaviour is much less stressful than passive or

aggressive behaviour