1. CHAPTER 14 Responding to Personal & Work-Related Stress “Our lives are complex, but we are not helpless to do something about the stress we feel. In fact, we often choose to intentionally overcrowd our schedules as a means of avoiding difficult feelings and choices. Then something forces us to slow down. We must listen to our hearts and bodies, and face a dawning awareness: My job, my spouse, my lifestyle – something – is not right for me.” -Carol Pearson, Editor, The Inner Edge © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

2. Stress is –an external stimulus (stressor) –the physical and emotional response to a stressor Stress can come from your environment, body and mind Stress can be positive or negative The Stress Factor in Your Life How can you tell the difference between positive and negative stress? Provide examples. © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

3. Responding to Stress Three elements of stress: the stressor, perception of it and response to it Attempt to respond in ways that help you establish mental, physical and emotional balance Our natural response to stress is called the fight or flight syndrome How does the fight or flight syndrome appear in humans today? © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

4. Major Causes of Stress Work/Life Balance Economy has workers stressed over having to compensate for staff reductions with larger workloads and longer and irregular work hours Change Evolving workplace demands surrendering to change Companies should try to help employees balance job change with personal & family life © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

5. Multitasking Communication technology creates many distractions and interruptions 24/7 Information overload compels us to jump from task to task, often hindering our performance and creating stress Major Causes of Stress Which would you find more stressful: having to multitask 24/7 or not being able to receive quick, convenient responses? © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

6. Internet Addiction Similar to other addictions Signs of the techno-centered state include –Machinelike mind-set –Withdrawal from relationships –Depression –Poor health Major Causes of Stress © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

7. The Computer Workstation Can cause physical stress due to poor ergonomics Major Causes of Stress © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

8. Noise Pollution Major Causes of Stress What aspect of noise pollution is most irritating? © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

9. Incompetent Leaders Stress may arise when incompetent leaders: –Fail to recognize employee ideas and concerns –Withhold information from employees –Fail to clarify roles and responsibilities –Set unreasonable deadlines and then blame employees for not meeting them Major Causes of Stress © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

10. Major Causes of Stress Work and Life Transitions Transitions are inevitable, forcing one to give something up and face a change Examples: marriage, divorce, birth, death, move Rumination The recurring intrusion and replay of thoughts about negative events can distract anytime, anywhere © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

11. Warning Signs of Too Much Stress Physical symptoms Emotional symptoms Relational symptoms 90% of illness is stress related What are some common examples of the various stress-related symptoms? © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

12. Not possible to eliminate stress We can manage our reactions to stressors Make stress management techniques part of your daily routine Stress Management Strategies © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

13. Sleep The restorative processes of the body and mind occur during sleep, making sleep one of the most effective management strategies Exercise The #1 treatment for stress and tension Stress Management Strategies How much sleep and exercise do we need to make an impact? © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

14. Stress Management Strategies Deep Breathing Deep breathing exercises force you to focus on the present moment rather than things that are causing you stress –Complete cycle breathing –Abdominal breathing © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

15. Meditation Relaxation techniques that slow your bioprocesses Quiet, intentional detachment from emotional reactions allows you to respond appropriately Laugh and Have Fun When you laugh you –Boost your immune system –Reduce stress-related hormones –Improve your respiratory system Stress Management Strategies © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

16. Solitude Individuals who have constant contact with others can benefit from solitude Time to process and unravel problems Resilience Resilience is being able to bounce back when confronted with stress Resilience requires forethought & having a “Plan B” Stress Management Strategies © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

17. Comparison of Psychological Disorders Coping With Psychological Disorders © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

18. Comparison of Treatments Coping With Psychological Disorders © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

19. Therapy Options Employee assistance programs address negative effects of psychological disorders before employees become dysfunctional Twelve-step programs Web-based counseling is growing –No guarantee of legitimacy or confidentiality Coping With Psychological Disorders © 2011 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.