Stress

By Gustavo Pérez

Stress is a common problem that affects almost all of us at some point in our lives. This presentation provides you with some basic information on stress and some simple recommendations for dealing with stress..

What is stress?

Stress is your body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. When 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.

WHAT CAUSES STRESS?

LIFE EVENTS SUCH AS DIVORCE OR SEPARATION, DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, THE BIRTH OF A CHILD, MOVING, A MAJOR FINANCIAL SETBACK, EMPLOYMENT CHANGES OR BECOMING THE VICTIM OF A CRIME OR NATURAL DISASTER.

DAILY EVENTS SUCH AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION, LONG COMMUTES, WORKING OVERTIME, DEADLINES, PERSONAL CONFLICTS, CAR TROUBLE, JOB STRESS,

ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS SUCH AS POLLUTION, WEATHER EXTREMES OR EXCESSIVE NOISE.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

• Behavioral symptoms

• Physical symptoms

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS

TOO MUCH SLEEP (HYPERSOMNIA) OR TOO LITTLE SLEEP (INSOMNIA)

NIGHTMARES NERVOUS HABITS LIKE NAIL-BITING OR FOOT-TAPPING DECREASED SEX DRIVE TEETH GRINDING IRRITABILITY OR IMPATIENCE CRYING OVER MINOR INCIDENTS DREADING GOING TO WORK OR OTHER ACTIVITIES

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

MIGRAINE OR TENSION HEADACHES DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS LIKE HEARTBURN OR DIARRHEA SHALLOW BREATHING OR SIGHING COLD OR SWEATY PALMS JAW PAIN, NECK PAIN, SHOULDER PAIN

Signs of Stress in the Workplace

Stress Arousal Stage Persistent irritability and

anxiety Bruxism and/or Insomnia Occasional forgetfulness

and/or inability to concentrate

Stress Resistance Stage Absenteeism or tardiness

for work Tired and fatigued for no

reason Procrastination and

indecision Social withdrawal with

cynicism Resentful, indifferent,

defiant Increased use of coffee,

alcohol, tobacco, etc.

Jobs and stress

There are four main causes: Environmental (noise, overcrowding, open plan

offices, for child care facilities, for instance): Contractual (low pay, shift work, excessive

overtime, job insecurity); Job designed (boring work, too much/little work,

lack of job control): Relationships (poor relations with colleagues,

lack of communication, impersonal treatment).

What activities or things could help people to relax?

• Listening to music• Playing with a pet• Laughing or crying• Going out with a friend (shopping, movie, dining)• Writing, painting, or other creative activity• Praying or going to church• Exercising or getting outdoors to enjoy nature• Gardening or making home repairs• Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation

Stress is inevitable, but it doesn't have to make you tense, irritable, upset, and unhappy.   You have the choice to GET BETTER or BITTER.   Be productive, GET BETTER!   Make the commitment to manage stress and enhance your health and happiness.

Relax, Tell yourself that you can not control everything around you. Sometimes we just have to be a little more tolerable as long as we are in no physical danger.