STRESS MANAGEMENT

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Among the behavioral problems people face in at work, stress related problems are severe and requires immediate attention. In this unit, the basic problems of stress will be discussed, keeping in mind the regular demands of a professional life. After going through this unit, you will be able to:
􀁺 Know the causes of stress and learn how to tackle these causes to prevent stress related
disorders
􀁺 Develop a strategy that will not only manage stress but also make you aware of the techniques that can curb stress
􀁺 Bring a positive change in yourself following the tips of self-management, relaxation
techniques and assertiveness skills
􀁺 Plan your next steps as a gateway to a better life.

Stress is the biggest single problem of the 21st century. This is one major reason why so many people
get sick or die prematurely, not being able to handle the demands of modern life. Every health problem, from headaches to heart attack, from psychosomatic disorders to stroke can be linked to this great malady. There is no defined age at which one is at risk of suffering from stress. Anyone can be stressed at any time if they are not adequately equipped to balance work and home. Many psychologists say that in our frenzy to get into the rat race of becoming successful men and women we often neglect the vital issues of health and we become prone to stress. So, if we cannot get a grip on stress we will have to pay the price physically, mentally and spiritually. At the same time, studies show that even if one has a very demanding job, stress can be avoided. Psychologists and doctors point out that having unrealistic expectations of oneself and striving to live up to that expectation leads to the constant feeling of stress and causes health problems.

Stress is dangerous because many treat the symptoms of stress without realizing what triggers it. Poor health results in missing important deadlines and assignments and this has a negative impact on their professional growth. When peace of mind and productivity suffers their professional and personal life gets affected. This makes them worry more and become tenser as they constantly feel the pressure of having to live up to what the organisation and their family expect of them.

To add to this they have their own expectations to fulfill. Consequently when they feel better they slip
into the old stressful routine and the ailments reappear. Medication helps, but only temporarily and their health and mental well-being deteriorate. The vicious cycle continues. If we learn to manage our
expectations, both what we expect from ourselves and what others expect of us, we will be able to lead a stress-free life.