Stress Management

GROUP TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT SERVICES
LEARNERSHIP DAY – 9 June 2006

STRESS MANAGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NUMBERS

1. Definition of stress Page 02
2. Fight or Flight Page 02
3. Positive vs. Negative stress Page 03
4. Sources of stress Page 03
5. Personal life events analysis and How stressed are you Page 04
6. Symptoms of stress Page 05
7. Stress Busters Page 07
8. Tips for managing work stress Page 08
9. The value of work humour and laughter Page 09
10. When should you seek professional help Page 10
11. Help and where to find it Page 10

STRESS MANAGEMENT

1. DEFENITION OF STRESS

The most commonly used definition of stress is that stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demand exceeds the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilise.

2. FIGHT OR FLIGHT

When placed in a situation in which we are afraid one of our strongest instincts comes through. That instinct is the one of "Fight or Flight". When threatened all creatures have two innate responses, stay and fight; or run away from the situation.

Physical Changes

The fight or flight effects include:

Ø The senses sharpen. Pupils dilate (open out) so we can see more clearly, even in darkness. Our hairs stand on end, making us more sensitive to our environment. This also makes us appear larger and hopefully intimidating to the opponent.

Ø The cardio – vascular system leaps into action. The heart rate goes up from one up to five gallons per minutes and our arteries constricting to maximise pressure around the system whilst the veins open out to ease return of blood to the heart.

Ø Our breathing speeds up as the lungs, throat and nostrils open up to get more air into the system so that the increased blood flow can be re-oxygenated. The blood can now carry oxygen to the muscles, allowing them to work harder and deeper breathing also helps to scream more loudly.

Ø The metabolism of fat from fatty acids and glucose... [continues]

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