The Two Edged Word Called S T R E S S

The two-edged word called…

STRESS

The myth of becoming stress-free...

Part One:Stressing What Stress is…

Stress Psychological state associated with physiological and hormonal changes caused by conflict, trauma, or other disruptive influences (stressors).

A condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal & social resources the individual is able to mobilize (Richard S Lazarus )

Typical Relationship BetweenPerformance and Stress

Types of Stress Positive Stress (USTRESS)Results to:

• Heightened concentration

• Increased performance

• Energized motion

Negative Stress (DISTRESS)Results to:

• Loss of motivation

• Reduces effectiveness

• Physical, mental, and behavioural problems

Part Two:STRESSorsssssss…

What Stresses You Out? Traumatic events outside the usual range of human

experience

Uncontrollable events (exams) & Unpredictable events (death of loved one)

Events that challenge the limits of our capabilities & self-concept

Internal conflicts

Stress Responses

STRESS

BehaviouralSleep disturbance

Use of alcohol/drugsAbsenteeismAggression

EmotionalDepression/anxiety

IrritabilityCryingSuicide

Loss of humour

CognitiveLack of concentration

Negative thoughtsWorrying

Poor Memory

BiochemicalIncreased metabolic rateAltered hormone levels

(adrenaline, cortisol, ACTH)Altered endorphin levels

PhysiologicalHigher blood pressure

Rapid shallow breathingIncreased heart rateDilation of pupilsMuscle tension

Dry mouth

Stress Responses•Headaches

• GI disturbances

• Skin rashes & hives

• Fatigue and Dizziness

• Hypertension

• Aggravation of: arthritis, asthma, ulcers, diabetes and the list can go on…

(accdg. To studies all of our diseases are rooted from STRESS...)

Stress & Health Related Behaviours

EXAM PERIOD =STRESS

SMOKE MORE

POOR DIET

MORE ALCOHOL

LESSSLEEP

LESS EXERCISE

Personality & Stress

Type A

Competitive, achievement-oriented, sense of time urgency, difficulty relaxing, impatient, angry, hostile, outwardly confident but full of self-doubt

Type B

Relaxed, easy-going, unpressured

Examples of Type A Behaviours

•Thinking of, or doing, two things at once• Hurrying the speech of others

• Unduly irritated by queues• If you want something done you have to do

it yourself• Frequent knee jigging or rapid finger

tapping• Frequent use of obscenities

• Playing every game to win, even with children

• Impatience when watching someone else do something you think you could do better

or faster• Rapid blinking or tic-like eyebrow lifting

Part Three:MANAGING STRESS

How to Manage Stress

Mental Techniques

Diversions

Physical & Personal Coping Strategies

" Success belongs to those individuals who can look at the complex challenges

offered by the World as Inspiration."

THANK YOU…