2. Define stress & how different people
respond to it
Objectives Identify common causes of stress
After completing this
Learn ways to avoid stress
course, you should be
able to: Learn about & practice various stress
management techniques
Learn to set goals for reducing the
stress in your life
3. Stress Survey
Stress & anxiety are the same thing
The causes of stress are the same for everyone
Being easily annoyed & irritable can be a warning
sign of too much stress
Losing weight can be a sign of too much stress
Chronic stress can lead to depression
Rethinking your expectations may help you cope
with stress
Anxiety is always a negative, harmful emotion
7. Controllable vs. Uncontrollable Stress
Controllable Uncontrollable
Poor planning Actions of customers
Ineffective time Concerns involving co-
management workers
Lack of proper skills Questionable
management practices
8. Physical health
Family life, work/life balance
Stress Variables
Financial circumstances
Examples that
influence our Mental health
response to stress
Stage of life (single,
married/relationship)
Generation gaps
Relationship with
leadership/colleagues
9. Warning Signs of “Bad” Stress
Loss of appetite
Headache, fever
Skin disorders/rashes
Muscle tightening or weakness
Nail biting; teeth grinding
Irritable; lack of concentration
Difficulty sleeping
10. Impact of “Bad” Stress on our Bodies
Debilitating headaches
Digestive system maladies
Heart problems
And more…
11. What Causes Stress?
Personal Life Workplace
Physical health Lack of control
Mental health Increased responsibility
Relationships Job satisfaction
Major life changes Poor communication
Conflicts with Lack of
beliefs/values support/recognition
Family Relationships
14. Examples of Workplace Stressors
Cause of Stress Symptoms We See
Improper training; Frustration at inability to
inadequate skills do job
Not getting enough sleep Irritability; no smiles
greeting customers
No recognition for ideas No enthusiasm
Co-worker is negative; Doesn’t like co-worker;
has poor habits asks for new duties
15. Low tolerance for frustration?
Take the Stress Getting depressed?
Test
Worry a lot; no one understands?
Tendency to Become
“Stressed” at Home or Feel left of work/personal activities?
Work
Feel busier & not enough time?
Irritated at other more often?
Trouble sleeping?
Headaches & high blood pressure?
Indigestion after eating?
Major life change in past 6 months?
16. Lifestyle Changes to Manage Stress
Improved time management
Decide what is urgent & what can wait
Exercise
Staying healthy & positive helps defend against stress
Work/personal balance
“Working” at home or spending time with family?
Commitments that provide a sense of purpose
Get support
Family, friends, supervisor, colleagues
17. Strategies to Manage Workplace Stress
Stressor Symptom Possible Strategy
Rushed commute Late to work Wake up earlier
Overloaded Irritable, unclear Delegate to others
schedule thinking
Speaking w/ irate Defensive, upset Don’t take
customer comments
Challenging Avoidance, personally
Private discussion
colleague nervousness
Make a Nervousness, Prepare, know
presentation scared material
19. Deep Breathing Relaxation
Can help you relax &
feel better
Helps to lower blood
pressure, slow a fast
heart rate, helps
digestion
Easy & free to do!
20. Guided Imagery Relaxation
Can help healing,
learning, creativity, &
performance
Feel more in control of
emotions & thoughts
Helps improve attitude,
health, & sense of well-
being
21. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Can reduce anxiety,
stress, & muscle
tension
May also help with
trouble sleeping
Learn the difference
between “tense”
muscles and “relaxed”
muscles
23. Set a Goal to
Reduce Stress
Goals provide a
reason to maintain
focus on what’s
important
24. Summary
Concrete tips & techniques to apply
Defined stress & how we respond to it
Identify common causes of stress
Learned various stress management techniques
Solicit feedback from family, friends, colleagues
Editor's Notes
Stress describes both The feeling we get from stress and The factors creating those feelings