Stress management

Stress Management

Presented byAkintola Temitope

What is Stress?Physical pressure, pull, or other force exerted on one thing by another; strain. -Dictionary.com

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. – Mountain State, Centre for independent living.Stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize. - Richard S Lazarus

Stress Affects our Body SystemWhen people feel stressed by

something going on around them, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood.

These chemicals give people more energy and strength, which can be a good thing if their stress is caused by physical danger.

But this can also be a bad thing, if their stress is in response to something emotional and there is no outlet for this extra energy and strength.

StressorsPerceptionFear of Being Laid offTrafficEnvironmental factorsWork OverloadBad Habits and negative

attitude to workInternet/ information

overloadGadgetsBad newsFriends and Family

The Stress TestAnswer ‘O’ for often. ‘S’ for sometimes, or ‘R’ for rarely

or neverDo you…__ regret being angry or short-tempered with others?__ feel like your emotions are getting the best of you?__ use alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to cope with stress(prescription, counter, or street drugs)?__ have sleep problems (either sleep too much or not

getting enough restful sleep)?__ feel like things are overwhelming or out of control?__ laugh or smile less than you used to?

Self Assessment

If you have answered often or sometimes to three or more of those questions, it may be time to address your stress.

Stress Cycle

Stress Response Symptoms Relaxation techniqueOverexcited You tend to become

angry, agitated, or keyed up under stress

You may respond best to relaxation techniques that quiet you down, such as meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery

Under excited You tend to become depressed, withdrawn, or spaced out under stress

You may respond best to relaxation techniques that are stimulating and that energize your nervous system, such as rhythmic exercise

Frozen (both overexcited and under excited at the same time –

You tend to freeze: speeding up in some ways while slowing down in others

Your challenge is to identify relaxation techniques that provide both safety and stimulation to help you “reboot” your system. Techniques such as mindfulness walking or power yoga might work well for you

Stress ManagementHOW TO REDUCE, PREVENT, AND COPE

WITH STRESSIdentify the sources of stress in your lifeLook at how you currently cope with stressAvoid unnecessary stress Alter the situationAdapt to the stressorAccept the things you can’t change Make time for fun and relaxationAdopt a healthy lifestyle

Stress ManagementDeal with Stress In healthy waysMeditation and JournalingAssertive TrainingHave Clear GoalsMake a to do list / Set a Schedule Avoid ProcrastinationAsk for HelpLog off

Final note…

“Stress is the trash of modern life - we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life”

Thank You.