What is Stress?
It isn't easy to find a generally acceptable definition of 'stress.' Doctors, engineers, psychologists, management consultants, linguists and lay-person all use the word in their own distinctive ways with their own definition. A useful definition is that stress is a demand made upon the adaptive capacities of the mind and body. If these capacities can handle the demand and enjoy the stimulation involved, then stress is welcome and helpful. If they can't and find the demand debilitating, then stress is unwelcome and unhelpful. This definition is useful in three ways; (1) stress can be both good and bad, (2) it isn't so much events that determine whether we're stressed or not, it is our reactions to them, and (3) the definition tells us that stress is a demand made upon the body's capacities. If our capacities are good enough, we respond well. If they aren't, we give way.
| GENERAL CAUSES OF STRESS AT WORK
- organizational problems
- insufficient back-up
- long or unsociable hours
- poor status, pay and promotion prospects
- unnecessary rituals and procedures
- uncertainty and insecurity
TASK-RELATED CAUSES OF STRESS AT WORK
- difficult clients or subordinates
- insufficient training
- emotional involvement with clients or subordinates
- the responsibilities of the job
- inability to help or act effectively
EFFECTS OF TOO MUCH STRESS
- concentration and attention span decrease
- distractibility increases
- short- and long-term memory deteriorate
- response speed becomes unpredictable
- error rate increases
- powers of organization and long-term planning deteriorate
- delusions and thought disorders increase
- physical and psychological tensions increase
- hypochondria increases
- changes take place in personality traits
- existing personality problems increase
- moral and emotional constraints weaken
- depression and helplessness appear
- self-esteem falls sharply
- speech problems increase
- interests and enthusiasms diminish
- absenteeism increases
- drug abuse increases
- energy levels are low
- sleep patterns are disrupted
- cynicism about clients and colleagues increases
- new information is ignored
- responsibilities are shifted onto others
- problems are 'solved' at an increasingly superficial level
- bizarre behavior patterns appear
- suicide threats may be made
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SPECIFIC CAUSES OF STRESS AT WORK
- unclear role specifications
- role conflict
- unrealistically high self-expectations (perfectionism)
- inability to influence decision making (powerlessness)
- frequent clashes with superiors
- isolation from colleagues' support
- lack of variety
- poor communication
- inadequate leadership
- conflicts with colleagues
- inability to finish a job
- fighting unnecessary battles
STRESS AT HOME
- stress caused by a partner
- stress caused by children
- stress caused by domestic arrangements
- stress caused by environmental pressures upon the home
MANAGING STRESS
- learn and utilize relaxation breathing
- meditation
- water - inside and out
- learn relaxation programs
- change diet - less fat, more fresh fruits, vegetables and fibre
- give your self permission to experience your emotions, cry if you want
- began an exercise program
- build healthy personal relationships, have someone to talk to
- learn to control your displaced aggressions; desire to yell at the kids and kick the dog at home because of stress at work
- reappraise your life and priorities
- realize that most stress is caused from within, not without; take time to smell the flowers and taste the strawberries
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